Bacterial “Tape Recorder” Could Keep Tabs on Body Function
Scientific American ------------ CRISPR is best known as being the basis of a powerful gene-editing tool. But first and foremost, it is a defense that bacteria use against viruses. Inspired by this delicate natural system, researchers have now created another scientific application for it—a tiny “tape recorder” that chronicles biological signals on strands of a bacterium’s DNA. The investigators believe this microbial recorder could eventually be used for sensing abnormalities in bodily functions such as digestion; for measuring pollutant levels in oceans; or for detecting nutrient changes in soil. It works much like the natural CRISPR system in many bacteria and other single-cell organisms, except for the signals it detects. To learn more click on the picture below to read the article.