What is CRISPR?

CRISPR stands for "Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats". It allows scientists to precisely target and cut any kind of genetic material, including in humans. This gene editing tool has given hope for treating diseases like cancer, muscular dystrophy, and ALS. Gene-editing breakthroughs are also raising ethical questions, however, and we look at possible future applications for the technique.