Germline cells, which contain DNA from all generations, are important yet extremely delicate cells found in plants, animals, and humans. Now, these cells can be modified thanks to the potent CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing method. The novel method focuses on utilizing RNA to control the expression of specific genes in germ cells. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Cell suggests that this molecular "CRISPR-on-a-chip" assay may even be useful against the relatively old retroviruses that cause cystic fibrosis in some individuals.

Though it should be made clear that this is not a method to try to treat genetic illnesses, it is nonetheless an amazing discovery.