Plants, animals, and humans all have germline cells, which are vital but incredibly delicate cells that retain DNA from all generations. With the help of the powerful CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique, these cells can now be altered. The unique approach relies on controlling the expression of particular genes in germ cells by means of RNA. This molecular "CRISPR-on-a-chip" assay may even be helpful against the relatively old retroviruses that cause cystic fibrosis in some people, according to a recent study published in the journal Molecular Cell.

It should be made clear that this is not a way to attempt and treat hereditary diseases, but even so, this is an incredible finding.