科學家發現基因編輯法寶 或可治癒多種絕症

Scientists have discovered how to edit DNA to repair 'broken genes' to cure incurable diseases - and potentially extend human lifespan.

科學家已經發現如何通過編輯DNA來修復“受損基因”，從而治癒絕症並有可能延長人類壽命。

Until now, it has not been possible to alter genes in the brain, heart, liver and eyes - the root of many debilitating illnesses.

目前爲止人們還無法改變人體大腦、心臟、肝臟和眼睛的基因，而這正是許多致命疾病的根源。

Since the cells in these vital organs tend not to divide, it is difficult to gain access to make changes.

由於這些重要器官的細胞往往不能分裂，因此對其幾乎無計可施。

However, researchers at the Salk Institute claim to have landed on 'the holy grail of gene editing', which can delicately and smoothly cut through DNA.

然而，索爾克研究所的研究人員聲稱，他們已經發現了基因編輯的法寶，可以準確並順利地切斷DNA。

So far the technique, called HITI, has been used to successfully restore blindness in lab mice.

這種技術被稱爲HITI，目前已經成功應用於失明的試驗小鼠身上。

Lead researcher Professor Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte insists that is nothing compared to the changes the technique could have in the decades to come.

該研究領頭人安.卡洛斯.依思皮舒.貝爾蒙特教授認爲，這項技術在未來幾十年將帶來無可比擬的改變。

'We are very excited by the technology we discovered because it's something that could not be done before,' Dr Belmonte said.

貝爾蒙特教授表示，“發現這項技術讓我們感到非常興奮，因爲這是史無前例的。”

'For the first time, we can enter into cells that do not divide and modify the DNA at will. The possible applications of this discovery are vast.'

“人類首次攻入了不能分裂的細胞，並隨意修改其DNA。這一發現具有巨大的實用價值。”

News of the discovery comes a day after Chinese scientists successfully tested a similar DNA-modifying technique, known as CRISPR.

該發現公佈前一天，中國科學家成功測試了一種類似的DNA改造技術，被稱爲CRISPR。

To date, CRISPR has been the most effective method for dividing cells in large organs like the skin or the gut.

對皮膚、腸道等較大的器官來說，CRISPR是迄今爲止最有效的細胞再生方法。