For the first time in history we can edit the genetic code of a living organism cheaply, quickly and precisely. CRISPR began as a bacterial immune system and became the most consequential biotechnology of the century. We explain how the molecular scissors actually work, what has already been cured with them, and where the ethical line is being drawn.

You'll come away understanding the difference between editing a patient's cells and editing an embryo, and why that distinction is the whole argument.

Talking Science is sponsored by Kinsoft. Visit www.kinsoft.com.au

Further reading: Broad Institute CRISPR explainers; Nature news coverage of gene editing; WHO human genome editing governance framework.