Quantum Biology and AI Revolutionize Genome Editing with CRISPR

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have combined quantum biology and explainable artificial intelligence to enhance CRISPR Cas9 genome editing in microbes. By utilizing quantum biology to understand the electronic structure of nucleotides and training an explainable AI model, the researchers were able to improve the accuracy of guide RNA selection for CRISPR Cas9, leading to more precise genetic modifications in microbes. This breakthrough has significant implications for renewable fuel and chemical production, as well as drug development and functional genomics.