The gene editing process CRISPR is a new technology that allows scientists to target, delete, and repair the DNA of plants, animals and humans. The concept of gene editing is not new, but CRISPR is low cost and easy to use. In this month’s episode of Science Café, Charles O'Brien explains the basics of CRISPR techonolgy, some of its current applications, and the ethics involved in this type of gene editing.
O’Brien is Professor of Medicine and VA Research Scientist at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.
O’Brien received a B.S. in Microbiology in 1984, and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology in 1990, both from the University of Oklahoma. After post-doctoral training in the Department of Cell Biology at Yale University, he joined the Division of Endocrinology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in 1994.
He is currently a Professor in the Departments of Internal Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery and a Research Scientist at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. Dr. O’Brien also directs the Transgenic Mouse Facility at UAMS. His research interests include murine models of human skeletal diseases, transcriptional regulation, and osteocyte biology.