The Daily Populous

First step toward CRISPR cure of Lou Gehrig’s disease

This step toward a CRISPR cure for human ALS will be reported Dec. 20 in the journal Science Advances.

Though the genetic cause is not known for all cases of ALS, all are accompanied by the premature death of motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord.

The neurons allow the brain to control muscles, so loss of this connection means loss of muscle control.

The devastating disease usually strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70.

There, the gene was translated into the Cas9 protein, a molecular scissors that cut and disabled the mutant gene responsible for ALS.

One of several challenges is to eliminate the SOD1 mutation in other brain and spinal cord cells that support motor neurons.

UC Berkeley co-authors of the paper are Thomas Gaj, David Ojala, Freja Ekman, Leah Byrne and Prajit Limsirichai. »

The Slow Demise of Asbestos, the Carcinogen that Gave ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Snow

Authored by atlasobscura.com

The snow in The Wizard of Oz was asbestos, as was the scarecrow’s entire costume.

The snow wasn’t the only asbestos-laden element of production: The Wicked Witch’s broom was made of asbestos, as was the Scarecrow’s entire outfit.

But as asbestos exemplifies, even when we know something is dangerous, we as a society still struggle to change course. »

Here's why the Mad Max: Fury Road sequel is delayed

Authored by digitalspy.com

Given the massive and unexpected success of 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road, the sequels seemed pretty much inevitable.

However, any prospective sequels will not be revving up anytime soon, chiefly because Miller is suing Warner Bros. over unpaid earnings.

Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Twitter account and you're all set. »

'Trump has put Pakistan on notice,' US VP Pence warns in surprise Kabul visit

Authored by dawn.com

"For too long has Pakistan provided safe haven to the Taliban and many terrorist organisations, but those days are over," Pence told the troops.

As he thanked the US troops for their service, VP Pence told them that they have put the Taliban on the run.

Later asked by reporters whether the US would consider raising its military presence in the country, Pence demurred. »

Dave Chappelle Sets Second New Year's Eve Stand-Up Special on Netflix

Authored by hollywoodreporter.com

Netflix on Friday delivered a surprise New Year's treat for fans of the comedian: a second Chappelle stand-up special to air on Dec. 31 (and his fourth with the streamer overall).

Netflix announced in November that it had signed a blockbuster deal with Chappelle to headline three stand-up specials.

The Age of Spin: Dave Chappelle Live at the Hollywood Palladium and Deep in the Heart of Texas: Dave Chappelle Live at Austin City Limits debuted on Netflix earlier this year. »