I really don't care for what they are doing here and the path forward. They freely admit to editing DNA.
https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter...search-428952/
"For the past few years, Anderson’s lab has developed tools and delivery systems that use the RNA-targeting
CRISPR-Cas13 to treat human genetic diseases that affect muscle function.
CRISPR-Cas13 is like a molecular pair of scissors that can target specific RNAs for degradation, using small, programmable guide RNAs.
When the health crisis first became apparent in Wuhan, China, researchers in Anderson’s lab turned their focus toward developing a
CRISPR-Cas13 therapeutic aimed at
SARS-CoV-2. Applying the knowledge already available about coronavirus RNA replication, they designed single CRISPR guide RNAs capable of targeting every viral RNA that is made within a SARS-CoV-2 infected cell. Using a novel cloning method developed in Anderson’s lab, multiple
CRISPR guide-RNAs could be packaged into a single therapeutic vector (a genetically engineered carrier) to target numerous viral RNA sites simultaneously. The multi-pronged targeting strategy could be used as a therapy to safeguard against virus-induced cell toxicity and prevent ‘escape’ of viruses which may have undergone mutation.
“Infectious viruses and pandemics seemingly come out of nowhere, which has made it hard to rapidly develop and screen traditional small molecule therapeutics or vaccines,” Anderson says. “There is a clear need to develop alternative targeted therapeutics, such as
CRISPR-Cas13, which have the ability to be rapidly reprogrammed to target new emerging pandemics.”