Science & Cocktails: Genetically modifying everything?
Schedule
Tue Jan 10 2023 at 07:30 pm
Location
Paradiso Amsterdam | Amsterdam, NH
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Science & Cocktails is a series of public talks by scientists with live music and smoky dry-ice chilled cocktails in your hand. 19:30 doors open for cocktails
19:45 Benjamin Fro
20:30 John van der Oost (talk)
Event in English, semi-seated.
Genetically modifying everything? – The CRISPR-Cas Revolution
Just like people, bacteria have to deal with viral infections. And also just like people, these bacteria have developed several anti-virus mechanisms. One example of this is the CRISPR-Cas system. After its discovery in 2005 we have extensively researched how the system works. CRISPR-Cas recognizes specifically DNA of viruses, to then cut it in pieces with enzymes and render it harmless. And these DNA cutting enzymes can easily be adapted. This means that in principle we are able to cut in any desired place on a chromosome - which contains our DNA – and make a change in this location. And this is not limited to viruses, we can also use this also on bacteria, plant and animal chromosomes.
These elemental insights have lead to a revolution. The bacterial defense system can be used for a great deal of applications, ranging from biotechnology (such as micro-organisms and plants) to gene therapy in humans. Perhaps even more is possible, but do we want this…?
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Where is it happening?
Paradiso Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NetherlandsEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
