Indian scientists develop a new, simpler genome-editing tool
A team of Indian researchers has created a new genome-editing method using TnpB proteins, which could be a game-changer compared to the usual CRISPR tools.
Led by Kutubuddin Ali Molla at the Central Rice Research Institute, this "molecular scissors" tech lets scientists tweak plant DNA for better traits.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently patented it in September 2025.
Easier editing and fewer legal headaches for Indian agriculture
TnpB proteins are much smaller than traditional Cas9 or Cas12a, so they're easier to get into plant cells—no tissue culture-mediated delivery required.
Plus, since this tech is homegrown and now patented internationally, it helps India sidestep expensive licensing issues tied to foreign CRISPR patents.
This could really boost local crop breeding and make advanced farming more accessible across the country.