Germline cells are essential but extremely delicate cells that store DNA from all generations and are found in plants, animals, and humans. These cells can now be changed thanks to the potent CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing method. The novel method depends on using RNA to regulate 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.

This is an amazing discovery, but it should be made plain that it is not a means to try and treat hereditary disorders.