TED: CRISPR's next advance is bigger than you think | Jennifer Doudna

The video discusses the potential of collaboration between humans and microbes to address global challenges like disease and climate change. It highlights CRISPR technology's role in gene editing and its applications in health and agriculture. The video explores the importance of microbiomes in health and climate, the challenges in controlling them, and the innovative approach of precision microbiome editing. This new field combines CRISPR and metagenomics to address issues like methane emissions and diseases linked to gut microbiomes, offering transformative solutions for a sustainable future.

What is the primary function of CRISPR technology?

• To eliminate all viruses

• To increase the size of microbes

• To precisely edit DNA in living organisms

• To create new species of bacteria

Why have microbiomes been difficult to control in the past?

• They do not affect human health

• They are resistant to all forms of treatment

• They are complex and difficult to manipulate

• They are too small to study

What is metagenomics used for in microbiome research?

• To grow bacteria in a lab

• To create new antibiotics

• To identify and understand species in a microbial community

• To eliminate harmful bacteria

What is the goal of precision microbiome editing?

• To increase the size of microbiomes

• To eliminate all microbiomes

• To discover links between microbiomes and diseases or emissions

• To create new types of bacteria

How can precision microbiome editing benefit livestock?

• By increasing their size

• By making them resistant to all diseases

• By increasing their lifespan

• By reducing methane emissions and improving feed efficiency

What potential health issue could be addressed by precision microbiome editing in humans?

• Improved vision

• Increased height

• Faster metabolism

• Asthma prevention

What percentage of global methane emissions are generated by microbiomes?

• 25%

• Up to 66%

• 50%

• 10%