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Merlin Crossley

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and Professor of Molecular Biology, UNSW

I have been doing molecular biology since 1985 and been in academic administration since 2004. I continue to run a large laboratory and to teach at UNSW Sydney.

My lab has a blog with posts every Friday https://wordpress.com/view/crossleylab.wordpress.com

our lab website is http://www.crossleylab.unsw.edu.au/

We work on DNA-binding proteins that facilitate epigenetic changes to turn genes on and off. We are interested in developing ways to artificially regulate the expression of particular genes. For instance, recently we have used CRISPR and other gene editing approaches to introduce beneficial mutations to boost the output of medically important genes. Such technologies may be useful in treating particular genetic diseases of the blood, like sickle cell anemia, and of metabolism, such as diabetes and obesity.

I enjoy teaching and give lectures in the area of molecular biology, genomics, epigenetics, stem cells, genetic reprogramming and genome editing.

I have written extensively on modern molecular genetics and on science teaching and education policy.

New CRISPR technology could revolutionise gene therapy, offering new hope to people with genetic diseases

Feb 02, 2021 13:12 pm UTC| Science

The day a muddled mob stormed the US Capitol building, a team of American researchers published a paper in Nature that signified a landmark in gene therapy. The head of the US National Institutes of Health, Francis...

Boyer Lectures: gene therapy is still in its infancy but the future looks promising

Oct 16, 2018 15:12 pm UTC| Insights & Views Science

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the ABCs Boyer Lectures. Delivered by Professor John Rasko, the 2018 Life Engineered lectures explore ethical and other issues around gene therapy and related technologies, and their...

When to trust (and not to trust) peer reviewed science

Jul 14, 2018 11:10 am UTC| Insights & Views Science

The article is part of our occasional long read series Zoom Out, where authors explore key ideas in science and technology in the broader context of society. The words published in a peer reviewed journal are sometimes...

Economy

Impact of Iran-Israel conflict on Stocks, Gold and Bitcoin

Disclaimer: This is not investment advice. The information provided is for general purposes only. No information, materials, services and other content provided on this page constitute a solicitation, recommendation,...

Japan Posts 7.7% Growth in Machinery Orders

In a striking development that looks set to invigorate Japans economic prospects, a key gauge of capital spending in the country has seen its most significant jump in over a year. According to Cabinet Office data released...

How cuts to marginal income tax could boost the UK’s stagnant economic growth

The British prime minister recently claimed the UK economy has turned a corner. Rishi Sunak said inflation figures were encouraging, and proclaimed that 2024 would be the year Britain bounces back. According to his...

A sustainable future begins at ground level

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a call to action in global partnership. By 2023 it appears that our progress has been far from satisfactory in achieving these...

Digital trade protocol for Africa: why it matters, what’s in it and what’s still missing

In February 2024, African heads of states adopted a draft protocol to regulate digital trade within the continent. This significant yet challenging course for Africas digital economy fits into the broader trade agreement,...

Politics

Nvidia RTX 4090D Embroiled in US-China Tech Rivalry; South Korea Navigates Chip Export Dilemma

The U.S. government has tightened export restrictions on high-performance semiconductor chips to China, including the Nvidia RTX 4090D, and is urging South Korea to enforce similar curbs, marking a significant escalation...

Canada needs a national strategy for homeless refugee claimants

One year after the federal government closed Roxham Road, refugee claims in Canada continue to increase: there were 143,785 in 2023 compared to 91,730 in 2022. The surprise announcement in March 2023 to modify Canadas...

Who will Trump pick as his running mate?

Being second in line for leadership of the most powerful country in the world is not an easy job. But for Mike Pence, vice president under Donald Trump, things were even harder than usual. As insurrectionists descended...

US and Japan Boost AI, Semiconductor Alliance; EU Eyes Reduction in China Dependence

Japan and the United States are poised to deepen ties in the high-tech sector, signaling a strategic move to enhance their global partnership with a focus on artificial intelligence and semiconductor...

US Finalizes Ban List for Chinese Chipmakers; Boosts Mexico Semiconductor Ties

The United States is finalizing a list of Chinese chip factories banned from receiving vital technology, aiming to curb Beijings tech advancements amid national security concerns. Concurrently, a US-Mexico semiconductor...

Science

Could a telescope ever see the beginning of time? An astronomer explains

The James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST for short, is one of the most advanced telescopes ever built. Planning for JWST began over 25 years ago, and construction efforts spanned over a decade. It was launched into space on...

US media coverage of new science less likely to mention researchers with African and East Asian names

When one Chinese national recently petitioned the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to become a permanent resident, he thought his chances were pretty good. As an accomplished biologist, he figured that news...

If life exists on Jupiter’s moon Europa, scientists might soon be able to detect it

Europa is one of the largest of more than 90 moons in orbit around the planet Jupiter. It is also one of the best places to look for alien life. Often termed an ocean world by scientists, observations to date strongly...

Exploding stars are rare but emit torrents of radiation − if one happened close enough to Earth, it could threaten life on the planet

Stars like the Sun are remarkably constant. They vary in brightness by only 0.1% over years and decades, thanks to the fusion of hydrogen into helium that powers them. This process will keep the Sun shining steadily for...

An eclipse for everyone – how visually impaired students can ‘get a feel for’ eclipses

Many people in the U.S. will have an opportunity to witness nearly four minutes of a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, as it moves from southern Texas to Maine. But in the U.S., over 7 million people are blind...

Technology

Tesla's Elon Musk Teases Full Self-Driving Launch in China, Postpones India Visit

On Saturday, Teslas CEO Elon Musk teased the near-term rollout of Full Self-Driving (FSD) in China and announced a delay in his awaited visit to India, attributing it to pressing Tesla commitments. FSD in China: An...

Kia Unveils $15,000 EV2, Spearheading Affordable Electric Vehicle Drive

Kia has unveiled the EV2, its newest addition to the electric vehicle market, priced at around $15,000. This compact SUV, seen in recent test footage, is part of Kias broader strategy to introduce a range of affordable...

Bitcoin Halving 2024 Complete: New Era for Miners and Market Speculation

Bitcoin has successfully completed its fourth halving, reducing mining rewards to 3.125 BTC per block and sparking widespread speculation about future price surges. As the crypto community eyes potential market shifts,...

Tesla Cybertruck Recall: NHTSA Flags 3,878 Units for Pedal Issue

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ordered a recall for Teslas Cybertruck, citing a severe pedal issue that necessitated temporarily halting deliveries to address potential safety...

ShibArmy Issues Critical Alert: No BONE Airdrops, Beware of Scams

The Shiba Inu community is on high alert as ShibArmy Scam Alerts warns against phishing emails falsely promising BONE airdrops. These fraudulent communications are designed to steal personal information and digital assets...