CRISPR technology continues to make international headlines for its potential as a gene-editing tool, but it has other world-changing applications. Scientists at Folium Science are using it to trick the harmful bacteria in the guts of chickens and hogs into destroying themselves. When fully commercialized, Folium Science's new technology could eliminate or reduce the need for antibiotic use in the raising of farm animals.
That's a good thing. Fighting diseases in poultry, hogs and other farm animals with standard-issue antibiotics is only marginally successful these days due to antimicrobial resistance. More importantly, most consumers don't like the idea that antibiotic residues could end up in their food.