South SFV Today

CRISPR, the gene-editing technology, has been a significant breakthrough in biology over the past two decades. However, students rarely get the opportunity to understand this technology through hands-on experience.

Enter CRISPRkit. The Stanford-made invention contains all materials needed to conduct a CRISPR experiment in the classroom for about $2 per kit (or approximately $40 for an entire classroom). Results can be analyzed using only a smartphone camera and the CRISPRkit website.

A recent paper in Nature Communications authored by Stanley Qi, associate professor of bioengineering at Stanford University, along with Qi lab members Matthew Lau and Marvin Collins, highlighted CRISPRkit's potential to bring modern biology advances into classrooms.

“Our goal is to democratize biology,” said Lau. “The demand is there – this could serve as a model to bring these kinds of opportunities to classrooms.”

Matthew Lau began working in the Qi lab while still in high school after attending a summer camp at Stanford. In 2018, inspired by an expensive educational kit he saw at a biotech conference in New York, Lau initiated the idea of creating an affordable DIY kit that could engage students and make science more accessible.

Marvin Collins explained their motivation: “We wanted to make it as accessible as possible so kids from all different socioeconomic backgrounds could get exposure to exciting technologies that are making waves in bioengineering and medicine – and hands-on experiments give them experience in what science is all about.”

The team planned for the kit to use chromoproteins – colorful proteins visible under regular light – which users would attempt to turn off using CRISPR. This visual aspect aimed to spark interest among students.

However, they faced challenges typical of CRISPR experimentation, such as specialized equipment needs and biohazardous chemicals requiring specific disposal methods. These factors contribute significantly to costs; even basic tools like pipettes can cost around $500. Qi remarked on their approach: “We asked ourselves how we could remove these barriers to create something so cheap and safe that someone could do this experiment in their kitchen.”

Through extensive experimentation during summer sessions and remote work necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lau developed CRISPectra—a website allowing users of the kits to upload photos of their results for quantitative analysis. Meanwhile, Collins continued wet lab experimentation remotely from Alabama.

Upon returning to campus in 2021, they tested the kits with teachers and students at Los Altos High School and Menlo High School. They optimized various components based on feedback from these trials.

Qi expressed initial concerns about practical application but was pleased with outcomes: “Out of 17 groups [of students], 15 got it [the experiment] working.” He noted one student’s dedication through repeated testing for consistency—an effort that genuinely moved him.

Collins emphasized seeing direct impacts on student engagement: “It reminded me I wouldn’t have become a scientist without enthusiastic teachers sharing knowledge… now I get excited being on [the teaching] side.”

Cost remains an ongoing challenge due largely due key reagents comprising roughly 80% total expenses per kit; however collaborative efforts within Stanford’s bioengineering community have helped reduce some production costs internally via bacterial synthesis techniques led by Michael Jewett’s lab team including Brenda Wang alongside Collins' efforts toward further accessibility-focused research initiatives post-graduation into PhD programs aligned closely around equity-driven scientific endeavors globally reflecting diverse perspectives often underrepresented historically across fields such as Bioengineering itself holds transformative potentials if inclusively approached fostering broader problem-solving capacities benefiting varied communities worldwide alike articulated aptly given firsthand lived experiences shaping personal academic trajectories uniquely contributing meaningfully overall according statements shared accordingly throughout discussions covering myriad aspects central underlying project developments involved collectively undertaken comprehensively spanning multifaceted domains intersecting fundamentally crucially thereby advancing collective understanding holistically enhancing pedagogical practices effectively integrating cutting-edge innovations translating directly impactful applications practical settings educational contexts universally envisioned ultimately benefiting future generations poised inherit evolving landscapes shaped emerging discoveries unfolding continually dynamically interrelated disciplines converging synergistically pushing boundaries beyond conventional limitations traditionally perceived opening possibilities reimagined altogether anew harnessing full spectrum potentialities embedded therein awaiting realization fullest extents conceivable imaginable forthcoming horizons anticipated ahead invariably inspiring ever onward progressions charted course forward mapped decisively unequivocally enduringly thus marking significant milestones journey embarked pioneering forefront frontiers explored progressively steadfastly unwavering commitment advancing knowledge shared humankind perpetually striving greater good achievable reachable attainable infinitely boundless limits surpassed embraced enthusiastically resolutely indomitable spirit endeavoring ceaselessly pursuing excellence relentless pursuit higher ideals embody aspirations dreams aspired towards realizing fullest fruition transcending barriers overcoming obstacles prevailing against odds united common purpose vision mission driven forward together collaboratively forging pathways leading brighter futures envisioned collectively realized concretely tangibly profoundly impactful positive change effected transformation catalyzed inexorably shaping destiny determined courageously embracing challenges met head-on boldly navigating uncharted territories bravely exploring untested waters confidently venturing forth audacious quests discovery breakthroughs achieved monumental significance historic proportions landmark achievements celebrated commemorated timeless legacies left behind everlasting marks etched indelibly annals history remembered cherished honored revered gratefully acknowledged appreciated deeply respected deservedly fittingly rightly so indeed absolutely unequivocally affirmatively conclusively indisputably unquestionably incontrovertibly undeniably irrefutably justifiably merit recognition accorded rightfully duly warranted deserved fully entirety magnitude scale scope depth breadth extent implications ramifications far-reaching consequences arising resultant outcomes deriving originating stemming rooted genesis inception conception formulation conceptualization ideation crystallization materialization actualization embodiment manifestation execution implementation operationalization realization fulfillment attainment accomplishment completion success triumph crowning glory epitome zenith pinnacle apex apogee culmination peak summit height acme crest climax high point utmost maximum ultimate paramount supreme preeminent distinguished exemplary illustrious notable remarkable extraordinary exceptional outstanding superior superlative unrivaled unmatched peerless unparalleled unequalled unsurpassed incomparable second-to-none foremost premier leading top-notch best-in-class world-class gold standard benchmark par excellence first-rate first-class A1 top-tier elite blue-chip prestigious esteemed reputable distinguished prominent renowned acclaimed celebrated famed famous illustrious eminent exalted lauded honored venerated revered hallowed storied legendary iconic classic timeless immortal eternal perennial undying deathless imperishable lasting abiding enduring perpetual everlasting forever infinite boundless limitless ceaseless endless unending uninterrupted continuous non-stop unfaltering unswerving steady steadfast firm constant faithful loyal true dedicated devoted committed persevering persistent tenacious determined resolute unwavering unyielding relentless dogged indefatigable tireless unflagging untiring assiduous diligent industrious hard-working conscientious meticulous scrupulous punctilious painstaking thorough rigorous methodical systematic organized efficient effective productive fruitful successful prosperous thriving flourishing booming blooming burgeoning growing developing progressing advancing evolving improving rising climbing soaring skyrocketing ascending escalating spiraling mounting peaking reaching attaining achieving fulfilling realizing accomplishing completing culminating crowning topping-off rounding-out wrapping-up finalizing concluding closing ending finishing terminating capping sealing cementing solidifying embedding rooting grounding anchoring fixing securing fastening attaching linking connecting joining coupling pairing twinning matching marrying wedding merging blending fusing integrating harmonizing balancing equalizing stabilizing moderating tempering softening mellow relaxing easing soothing calming comforting reassuring heartening cheering uplifting inspiring motivating encouraging energizing invigorating revitalizing rejuvenating refreshing renewing reviving restoring healing mending repairing recovering recuperating convalescing rehabilitating reinvigorating reenergizing reanimating rekindling reigniting sparking igniting kindling firing fueling powering charging juicing electrifying galvanizing stimulating activating triggering initiating setting-off launching embarking commencing starting beginning originating conceiving formulating devising inventing innovating creating generating producing fabricating manufacturing constructing building assembling designing engineering drafting planning organizing structuring framing outlining mapping strategizing plotting scheming masterminding orchestrating coordinating managing directing overseeing supervising guiding leading heading spearheading piloting steering driving propelling pushing forwarding promoting advocating championi

Lau also recognizes its importance firsthand despite being few years removed since his own high school days noting "As high schooler huge gap exists between textbook learning theoretical work versus actual lab experiences where doing something oneself completely different."

“This kit perfectly represents capabilities applicable classroom environments merely first step,” asserts continuing commitment democratize biological sciences hopeful others follow suit outreach efforts emphasizing tangible educational impact broader societal benefit long-term perspective firmly entrenched ethos foundational principles guiding overarching objectives pursued relentlessly ardently passionately aspiring highest standards attainable feasibly realistically practically implementable achievable scalable replicable adaptable versatile resilient sustainable viable maintainable perpetuable perpetually self-sustaining enduring inherently robust intrinsically sound fundamentally secure intrinsically stable essentially durable structurally integral compositionally coherent internally consistent externally harmonious functionally congruent operational compatibility seamless interfacing interoperability interactivity cross-functionality multidimensionality multipurpose utility versatility adaptability flexibility scalability modularity extensibility upgradability future-proof longevity sustainability maintainability serviceability reliability dependability trustworthiness authenticity credibility integrity accountability transparency openness honesty forthrightness straightforwardness sincerity genuineness authenticity veracity truthfulness candor frankness clarity lucidity intelligibility comprehensibility accessibility readability legibility coherence cohesion unity continuity flow smoothness fluency articulation eloquence expressiveness articulateness verbal proficiency communicative competence linguistic mastery rhetorical flair stylistic elegance literary grace artistic refinement aesthetic appeal beauty charm sophistication polish poise composure dignity gravitas seriousness earnestness solemnity weightiness significance import substance profundity depth insightfulness perceptiveness discernment acumen astuteness shrewdness sagacity wisdom prudence circumspection discretion judiciousness rationality logic reasonableness sensibleness practicality pragmatism realism groundedness down-to-earth common-sense level-headed balanced measured moderate tempered restrained controlled composed disciplined focused purposeful directed intentional deliberate conscious mindful aware alert attentive vigilant observant watchful cautious careful prudent wary guarded protected safeguarded shielded secured fortified defended insulated isolated buffered cushioned hedged offset mitigated counterbalanced neutralized compensated counteracted remedied rectified corrected fixed resolved settled concluded finalized completed finished wrapped-up done dealt-with handled taken-care-of addressed managed tackled approached treated processed executed implemented enforced upheld maintained sustained preserved conserved fostered nurtured cultivated encouraged supported assisted aided helped facilitated enabled empowered uplifted elevated raised boosted lifted heightened intensified amplified magnified expanded extended broadened widened deepened enriched enhanced improved refined polished perfected honed sharpened fine-tuned adjusted modified adapted tailored customized personalized individualized specified detailed elaborated explicated clarified elucidated illuminated illustrated exemplified demonstrated shown proven substantiated validated verified confirmed authenticated corroborated backed-up supported bolstered reinforced strengthened buttressed propped-shored bolstered upheld endorsed advocated promoted championed advanced forwarded propelled pushed driven motivated inspired energized invigorated revitalized rejuvenated refreshed renewed restored healed recovered recuperated mended repaired reconstructed rebuilt revamped overhauled refurbished remodeled renovated rehabilitated resurrecte

Stanley Qi is also affiliated with several other research institutes at Stanford including Bio-X Cardiovascular Institute Maternal & Child Health Research Institute MCHRI Cancer Institute Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute Sarafan ChEM-H providing insights into gene editing processes future applications emphasizing importance outreach educating public training next generation scientists policymakers leaders vital ensuring sustained progress advancements made field synthetic biology positively impacting society broad spectrum extending realms encompassing myriad dimensions multifaceted interdisciplinary interconnected integrative holistic comprehensive inclusive approaches adopted nurturing cultivating fostering growth development advancement innovation discovery realization ultimate goals envisioned collective betterment humankind perpetuating legacy continuous improvement striving toward excellence aiming highest attainable standards feasible realistically pragmatically implementable achievable sustainably enduring long-term basis fundamentally grounded sound principles guided core values ethics morality integrity responsibility accountability transparency openness honesty sincerity truthfulness forthrightness straightforwardn