Scientists at UNSW Sydney announced a CRISPR breakthrough that allows them to turn genes on without cutting DNA, offering a potentially safer approach to gene therapy. The research, published January 5, 2026, details a method of removing chemical tags that silence genes, effectively reactivating them.

The study confirms that these chemical tags actively silence genes, resolving a long-standing scientific debate. Researchers believe this gentler form of gene editing could offer a safer way to treat diseases like sickle cell anemia by reactivating a fetal blood gene.

"This new CRISPR technology has the potential to revolutionize genetic disease treatment," said Dr. Emily Carter, lead researcher on the project. "By targeting these chemical tags, we can precisely control gene expression without the risks associated with cutting DNA."

CRISPR, or Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a gene-editing technology that typically involves cutting DNA at a specific location to disable or replace a gene. However, this process can sometimes lead to unintended mutations or off-target effects. The new approach avoids these risks by focusing on epigenetic modifications, which are changes that affect gene activity without altering the DNA sequence itself.

The chemical tags targeted in this study are known as methyl groups. These groups attach to DNA and can prevent genes from being transcribed into proteins. By removing these tags, researchers can effectively "switch on" genes that have been silenced.

The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond sickle cell anemia. Researchers believe this technology could be applied to a wide range of genetic diseases, as well as to regenerative medicine and aging research.

"This is a significant step forward in our understanding of gene regulation," said Dr. Carter. "It opens the door to powerful therapies with fewer unintended side effects."

The development of this CRISPR technology also highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in scientific research. AI algorithms were used to analyze vast amounts of genomic data to identify the specific chemical tags that were most effectively targeted.

"AI is becoming an indispensable tool in gene editing," said Dr. David Lee, a bioinformatician involved in the study. "It allows us to analyze complex biological systems and identify targets that would be impossible to find using traditional methods."

The researchers are now working to optimize the delivery of this CRISPR technology to specific tissues and organs. They are also conducting preclinical studies to assess the safety and efficacy of this approach in animal models. The team hopes to begin human clinical trials within the next few years.