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With an extraordinary new technology called CRISPR, we can now edit DNA—including human DNA. But how far should we go? Gene-editing promises to eliminate certain genetic disorders like sickle cell disease. But the applications quickly raise ethical questions. Is it wrong to engineer soldiers to feel no pain, or to resurrect an extinct species?

We can now edit the human genome with a tool called CRISPR. But how far should we go?

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Discover how it works in bacterial cells and how it can be applied to other forms of life—including humans.

CRISPR is part of bacteria's natural defense against viruses.

How CRISPR Works in Nature

Scientists are beginning to use CRISPR gene-editing technology to treat diseases and alter the human genome. But as research advances, the ethical dilemmas multiply. Which illnesses—and traits—should be eliminated from the human experience?

CRISPR gene-editing technology is advancing quickly. What can it do now—and in the future?

CRISPR Gene-Editing Reality Check

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Gene-edited babies could be free of sickle cell anemia. David Sanchez, a teen with the disease, shares his thoughts on living with sickle cell—and a possible future without it.

Sickle Cell Anemia is caused by a single change in the DNA sequence.

Living with Sickle Cell Anemia

Bacteria use CRISPR to defend themselves from viruses. Here's how researchers have used it to benefit yogurt cultures since 2007.

Five years before anybody was talking about CRISPR, Danisco had a breakthrough.

The "Holy Grail of Yogurt" is CRISPR

"Holy Grail of Yogurt" is CRISPR

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With an extraordinary new technology called CRISPR, we can now edit DNA—including human DNA. But how far should we go? Gene editing promises to eliminate certain genetic disorders like sickle cell disease. But the applications quickly raise ethical questions. Is it wrong to engineer soldiers to feel no pain, or to resurrect an extinct species? And is there harm in allowing parents to choose their child’s features, like eye color or height? The scientists who pioneered human genome studies and CRISPR grapple with these questions. (Premiered September 9, 2020)

Harvard Medical School

Children's Hospital Boston

We can now edit the human genome with a tool called CRISPR. But how far should we go?

Body & Brain

NOVA investigates the story of cannabis from the criminalization that has disproportionately harmed communities of color to the latest medical understanding of the plant. What risks does cannabis pose to the developing brain? How much do we know about its potential medical benefits? As cannabis becomes socially accepted, scientists are exploring its long-term health consequences. (Premiered September 29, 2021)Check out a previously recorded panel discussion and audience Q&amp;A featuring experts and producers from "The Cannabis Question" <a href="https://youtu.be/nSTT5RZ_hxA">here</a>.

As state-legalized cannabis spreads, NOVA explores its little-known risks and benefits.

The Cannabis Question

A 2006 composite image from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer Telescope shows the chaos of baby stars in the Orion nebula some 1,500 light-years away. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/STScI

With the upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, the Hubble era is gradually drawing to a close. Here are some highlights from the countless wonders Hubble has shown us during its 31 years in space.

10 spectacular Hubble Space Telescope images

A statue of Zheng He at the Sam Poo Kong Temple in Java, Indonesia. Image Credit: Budianto Santosa, Shutterstock

In the 1400s, Zheng He sailed thousands of miles around Asia and Africa in ships the size of soccer fields, spreading Chinese innovations like compasses and gunpowder in the process.

Human Nature

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An Indigenous bioethicist on CRISPR and decolonizing DNA

First CRISPR-Edited Cells Tested in Lung Cancer Patient

Scientists Use CRISPR to Grow Human Organs Inside of Pigs

Living with Sickle Cell Anemia

What Is CRISPR Gene Editing?

New Video Shows CRISPR Cutting DNA in Two

How CRISPR Works in Nature

The "Holy Grail of Yogurt" is CRISPR

Human Nature

How CRISPR is Spreading Through the Animal Kingdom

Scientists Condemn Researcher's Use of CRISPR to Produce HIV-Resistant Babies

Scientists retract study linking CRISPR baby mutation to early death

Cure or Carcinogen? CRISPR-Cas9 May Cause Cancer

How Does CRISPR Work?

CRISPR and Stem Cells Could Speed Studies of Rare Diseases

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Explore More

An Indigenous bioethicist on CRISPR and decolonizing DNA

First CRISPR-Edited Cells Tested in Lung Cancer Patient

Scientists Use CRISPR to Grow Human Organs Inside of Pigs

Living with Sickle Cell Anemia

What Is CRISPR Gene Editing?

New Video Shows CRISPR Cutting DNA in Two

How CRISPR Works in Nature

The "Holy Grail of Yogurt" is CRISPR

Human Nature

How CRISPR is Spreading Through the Animal Kingdom

Scientists Condemn Researcher's Use of CRISPR to Produce HIV-Resistant Babies

Scientists retract study linking CRISPR baby mutation to early death

Cure or Carcinogen? CRISPR-Cas9 May Cause Cancer

How Does CRISPR Work?

CRISPR and Stem Cells Could Speed Studies of Rare Diseases