Stanley demonstrated that a deactivated version of CRISPR had its own uses for manipulating the genome. Rather than introducing permanent genetic changes by editing DNA, the deactivated CRISPR allowed scientists to make temporary changes that would not alter the underlying genetic information of a cell but nevertheless affected how genetic information was expressed. In particular, he transformed CRISPR into a gene-expression controller that could turn genes on or off or dial them up or down, much like a dimmer adjusts lighting.
