Fact Files

MIT engineers developed a new gene-editing system that can selectively kill bacteria carrying harmful genes which is responsible for conferring antibiotic resistance. Most antibiotics work by interfering with crucial functions such as cell division or protein synthesis. However, some bacteria, including the formidable MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae) organisms, have evolved to become virtually untreatable with existing ...