CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a natural defense system in bacteria that scientists have adapted into a powerful gene-editing tool. This technology allows for precise modifications to DNA, with applications ranging from curing genetic diseases and treating cancer to improving crops and combating climate change.

Scott Richardson breaks it all down with Bob Gough on this installment of High Tech in the Heartland.