The powerful gene-editing technique known as CRISPR/Cas9 may now be applied to so-called germline cells, which are important but extremely delicate plant, animal, and human cells whose genetic composition is a combination of DNA from all of their generations. The unique approach focuses on the RNA-based expression of specific genes in germ cells. This molecular "CRISPR-on-a-chip" assay may even be useful against the relatively old retroviruses that cause cystic fibrosis in some people, according to research that was just published in the journal Molecular Cell.

This is a wonderful development, but it should be made clear that it is not a way to try to treat inherited disorders.