CRS report via FAS – CRS INSIGHT – CRISPR: A Revolutionary Tool for Editing the Code of Life? November 17, 2016 (IN10610).
“CRISPR-cas9 (CRISPR for short) is a new gene editing tool that offers the potential for substantial improvements in ease of use, speed, efficacy, and cost. Many in the scientific, engineering, and business communities believe CRISPR may offer revolutionary advances in the investigation, prevention, and treatment of diseases; understanding of gene function; crop yields and varieties; production of chemicals used in biofuels, adhesives, and fragrances; and control of invasive species. CRISPR has already been used to modify the genomes of a variety of species—ranging from mice and fruit flies to corn and yeast. Some scientists believe the relative simplicity and lower cost of CRISPR represents the democratization of genetic engineering…”

• See also – Genome-editing technology CRISPR-Cas9 obtains initial federal approval for human testing