Jaques Fresco of Princeton University, New Jersey, USA, and his colleagues have found a cunning way to repair the mutation that causes sickle-cell anaemia. They have designed a DNA strand that hooks on to the mutant gene, b -globin. When exposed to radiation, a chemical called psoralen attached to the strand attacks the mutant gene. This triggers certain enzymes to fix mutant genes. So far, experiments have been restricted to DNA in the laboratory. Fresco expects to apply the technique to human patients some day ( Journal of Biological Chemistry , Vol 274, p21763).
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.