So-called germline cells are significant but extremely delicate plant, animal, and human cells whose genetic makeup includes a combination of DNA from all of their generations. Now, the potent gene-editing method known as CRISPR/Cas9 may be applied to these cells. The novel strategy concentrates on the RNA-based expression of particular genes in germ cells. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Cell suggests that this molecular "CRISPR-on-a-chip" assay may even be beneficial against the relatively old retroviruses that cause cystic fibrosis in some individuals.

Though it should be made clear that this is not a method to try to treat genetic illnesses, it is still a remarkable development.