Epigenetic Editing with CRISPR + ADHD in Preschoolers – Xtalks Life Science Podcast Ep. 10

In this episode, Ayesha discusses a new tool that uses CRISPR to modulate gene expression without editing DNA sequences. Dubbed “CRISPRoff,” the technology targets the epigenome to silence genes involved in diseases, with applications in cancer, AML and other conditions with a heritable component. The team debates the ethical considerations around epigenetic therapies and genome editing, and how scientific communications should be improved to help educate the public on complex medical breakthrough.

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, the team also talks about the prevalence of ADHD in preschool-aged children, with Ayesha presenting the results of a study that investigated the effects of medication in this patient population. They explore the difficulties in diagnosing hyperactivity in an age group when kids are known for their changeable behavior, and how casual use of the label “ADHD” may be damaging to families who are actually dealing with the condition.