CRISPR Gene Editing in Human Embryos Wreaks Chromosome Mayhem

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June 25, 2020

Dear Reader, Here are highlights from today's top news: A suite of experiments that use the gene-editing tool CRISPR–Cas9 to modify human embryos have revealed how the process can make large, unwanted changes to the genome at or near the target site. Physicists have filled in the last missing detail of how nuclear fusion powers the Sun, by catching neutrinos emanating from the star's core. The newest generation of climate models is running hotter than earlier versions, with many predicting stronger future warming than their predecessors. It may be due to how they incorporate clouds.  Also, as lockdown restrictions ease in the US, many cities and states still require wearing a mask to help stop the spread of  COVID-19. Our illustrated guide explains what you should know about face coverings, and offers best practices for personal protection.

Sunya Bhutta, Senior Editor, Audience Engagement @sunyaaa

Medical & Biotech CRISPR Gene Editing in Human Embryos Wreaks Chromosome Mayhem Three studies showing large DNA deletions and reshuffling heighten safety concerns about heritable genome editing By Heidi Ledford,Nature magazine

Public Health Easy to Say 'Get Tested' for the Coronavirus--Harder to Do: Here's How Experts explain the best time for testing after exposure and how to find test sites By Bernard J. Wolfson,Phil Galewitz,Kaiser Health News

Physics China Reaches New Milestone in Space-Based Quantum Communications The nation's Micius satellite successfully established an ultrasecure link between two ground stations separated by more than 1,000 kilometers By Karen Kwon

Climate Clouds May Be the Key to a Climate Modeling Mystery Newer models show more future warming than previous ones, and it may be due to how they incorporate clouds By Chelsea Harvey,E&E News

Physics How Long Do Neutrons Live? Space Probe Could Put Debate to Rest Scientists used Venus to measure neutrons' lifetime, offering hope for an answer to a decades-old mystery By Scott Hershberger

Physics Neutrinos Reveal Final Secret of Sun's Nuclear Fusion The detection of particles produced in the sun's core supports long-held theory about how our star is powered By Davide Castelvecchi,Nature magazine

Space Black Astronomers Highlight Achievements and Obstacles One of the forces behind #BlackInAstro week shares her optimism for the future By Karen Kwon

Policy & Ethics On Racial Justice, Statements Are Not Enough Academic institutions and scientific organizations must embrace collective action By Fernando Tormos-Aponte

Arts & Culture How I Built a 3-D Model of the Coronavirus for Scientific American Rendering SARS-CoV-2 in molecular detail required a mix of research, hypothesis and artistic license By Veronica Falconieri Hays

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FROM THE ARCHIVE Machine Is Designed to Reproduce Itself Originally published in June 1959 | June 2020

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