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Pink babies
For the first time, reptiles have been modified by CRISPR technology.
Scientists from the University of Georgia raised four brown albino anoles in brown instead of their typical brown, according to New atlas. The results show that CRISPR gene editing technology is more resilient than previously thought.
Delicate affairs
Until now, geneticists have moved away from gene-changing lizards because their eggs are particularly fragile – the process of introducing new genes may kill them.
Georgia's solution: Rather than genetically altering a fertilized egg like a CRISPR scientist would do with a mammal or other animal, scientists would inject unfertilized eggs and wait for nature to take its course.
After 146 injections to 21 females, the scientists found themselves with four mutant albinos, according to New atlas.
Amazing longevity
But albino lizards had CRISPR-induced mutations not only in the genes they had obtained from their mothers, but also from their fathers, that is, the CRISPR proteins that caused the gene modification were stuck long enough to also interact with the father's sperm.
The discovery that CRISPR proteins are more resistant and durable than previously thought could lead to new treatments in humans, such as improving eyesight, scientists said at the ## 147 ## 39, origin of research New atlas.
"It was a surprise," said lead researcher Douglas Menke. New atlas. "This allowed us to know the functional requirements of the gene without having to raise mutated animals to produce offspring that inherit the mutated gene from both parents. It's a big time saver. "
READ MORE: The first modified gene lizards in the world are in pink[[[[New atlas]
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