The hottest Gene-editing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

The Exhilirating Movement From Treatment to Cures for Autoimmune Diseases

Ground Truths • 11197 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25

🔬 Science Gene-editing

Two main cure strategies are emerging: a "hard reset" with engineered immune cells (CAR‑T/CAR‑NK) that deplete disease‑causing B cells and is moving toward off‑the‑shelf, in‑body delivery for one‑shot remissions.
A "soft reset" uses inverse or tolerogenic vaccines and Treg/dendritic‑cell approaches to retrain the immune system to tolerate self‑antigens instead of attacking them.
Advances in cancer immunotherapy (CAR‑T, checkpoint modulation, in‑vivo delivery, gene editing) are accelerating autoimmune cures, but challenges remain with cost, safety (e.g., cytokine release, neurotoxicity, vector risks) and equitable access.

mRNA: Deliverance, Dud, or Danger?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 621 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25

🏥 Health Politics Gene-editing

mRNA technology was once seen as a breakthrough for fighting diseases with vaccines, especially during the Covid pandemic. Now, it's facing skepticism and challenges.
Due to growing criticism, including claims that the Covid vaccine is harmful, funding for mRNA research has been significantly cut. This has hurt companies that develop mRNA-based treatments.
Many supporters of mRNA believe attacks on it prevent progress in medicine, much like historical events where new scientific ideas were initially rejected. The situation is complex and evolving.

The Bride of ‘Chinese Frankenstein’—and the Race to Make Designer Babies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 505 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25

🔬 Science Gene-editing

He Jiankui claims to be a pioneer of gene editing, but his past actions have earned him a bad reputation. He created the first gene-edited babies, which was condemned by many as unethical.
The CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool was developed by Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, but He used it in a controversial way without their collaboration.
Now out of prison, He plans to open a lab in Austin, Texas, where he wants to research Alzheimer’s in hopes of applying gene editing in the future.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #154

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 167 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25

🕹 Technology Gene-editing

The U.S. has launched an AI Action Plan focusing on innovation and building infrastructure to lead in artificial intelligence. This plan aims for faster and more flexible policies to keep up with rapid tech advancements.
Google DeepMind's AI model called Aeneas helps historians understand ancient texts better by predicting missing information and suggesting dates. This tool can reshape how we connect with and interpret our historical past.
A new male birth control pill, YCT-529, shows promise in blocking sperm production safely. This could provide men with more contraceptive options, balancing the responsibilities in family planning.

The Mosquito Edition

Why is this interesting? • 844 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24

🔬 Science Gene-editing

Mosquitos are the world's deadliest animal and are vectors for diseases like Malaria.
Innovative strategies like gene-editing are being used to control mosquito populations.
Technology like Oxitec's gene-editing approach shows promise in suppressing mosquito populations without harming other species.

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De-extinction and Redemption

treethinking • 176 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23

🔬 Science Gene-editing

De-extinction through gene editing and embryology is being pursued for iconic extinct species
De-extinction presents philosophical, practical, and ethical challenges, including concerns about conservation funding
The allure of de-extinction is more religious than scientific, seeking a restoration to a pre-Fall state

Orbital Biolabs: Unleashing Cosmic Potential for Earth's Scientific Progress

Space Ambition • 199 implied HN points • 26 May 23

🔬 Science Gene-editing

Space labs help scientists learn about biology in unique ways. In microgravity, they can see how living things react differently than on Earth.
New technologies, like 3D printing and gene editing, are being tested in space. This could lead to cool advances in medicine and health back on Earth.
There's a growing trend of private companies joining space research. This means more opportunities for innovative experiments and discoveries.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #130

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 168 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25

🕹 Technology Gene-editing

Researchers found a new drug called CT-179 that may help stop childhood brain tumors by keeping cancer stem cells dormant. This could lead to better treatments that stop the cancer from coming back.
OpenAI introduced Deep Research, a new AI that can do detailed research and create expert-level reports quickly. It's designed to help with complicated subjects, making research easier for everyone.
NanoCas is a tiny CRISPR system that can edit genes in muscle and heart tissues, not just the liver. This breakthrough could help treat muscle diseases and improve gene therapies.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #83

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 95 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24

🔬 Science Gene-editing

The House approved a bipartisan bill to boost nuclear energy, aiming for efficient licensing and embracing advanced nuclear technologies.
Figure, a robotics firm, secured a $675 million Series B, valued at $2.6 billion, and is collaborating with OpenAI to develop humanoid robots.
Astro Mechanica introduced the world's first electric-adaptive jet engine, promising efficient operations for payloads, revolutionizing space transportation.

Genes for Memes

Reboot • 12 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25

🕹 Technology Gene-editing

He Jiankui, a scientist who edited genes in babies, faced huge backlash and legal trouble for his actions. Now, he's trying to reinvent himself online, using social media to attract attention and followers.
Silicon Valley's current culture is more open to risky scientific ideas, pushing the boundaries of ethics in technology. This change allows controversial figures like He to gain popularity among those who admire boundary-breaking innovation.
Concerns are growing about who will benefit from advancements in gene editing. If these technologies are only accessible to the wealthy, existing inequalities could worsen, making it critical to address these social implications.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #82

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 74 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24

🕹 Technology Gene-editing

Google introduced Gemma, a family of open models inspired by its Gemini technology, now available to developers, signaling openness in AI safety.
MEGA is a new CRISPR tool that targets RNA instead of DNA for more precise and reversible cell therapy design, potentially leading to safer gene editing.
Significant events in space this week included Varda's capsule return, Intuitive Machine's lunar landing, Blue Origin's New Glenn rollout, and a former Disney star becoming a space data company CEO.

How Nepal Regenerated Its Forests 🌲, Gene editing: should we hack nature to protect the planet? 🧬

Climate In Colour • 19 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23

🌞 Climate & Environment Gene-editing

Nepal successfully regenerated its forests
The discussion on gene editing to protect the planet is ongoing
The ClimateInColor blog covers various topics each week

The ultra-selfish gene

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24

🔬 Science Gene-editing

Gene editing technology, especially CRISPR/Cas9, offers powerful ways to potentially eliminate malaria by modifying the mosquitoes that spread it. This could save millions of lives.
Selfish genetic elements can alter inheritance patterns within populations, which may allow a single gene edit to spread rapidly through an entire species, potentially causing significant ecological changes.
While gene drives could provide solutions to public health issues, their release carries risks. There’s a need for careful monitoring and potential reversal strategies to prevent unintended consequences.

Bas' Take on Tech: Work From Home, AI, DNA, Dominik's Thoughts

Bas' Take on Tech • 0 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23

🕹 Technology Gene-editing

Helping people in need during disasters, like earthquakes, through tech and careful donations is important.
Global trends in remote work show shifts towards more work-from-home opportunities and legal rights in various countries.
Developments in AI technology are leading to changes in search engines, potential new professions, and competition among tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI.

Gene editing: should we hack nature to protect the planet? 🧬

Climate In Colour • 0 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23

🌞 Climate & Environment Gene-editing

Gene editing is seen as a technology that can revolutionize food production and help us adapt to climate change.
There is debate on whether gene editing is a viable solution for climate change or just another technological fix.
Climate In Colour Deep Dives offers in-depth coverage of climate justice, science, and technology.