Gene shears (1990)
The discovery in 1987 of a molecule of genetic material that can break itself into smaller fragments by folding back and cutting itself had profound implications.
The discovery in 1987 of a molecule of genetic material that can break itself into smaller fragments by folding back and cutting itself had profound implications. It has led to the idea of ‘gene shears’ – molecules designed to seek and destroy a specific messenger RNA and which can therefore inactivate an unwanted or harmful gene.
The technology could have widespread application in the control of plant and animal diseases