Part 4/11:
CRISPR molecules can be programmed to target specific viral genetic sequences. When applied to human fluid samples, these molecules can rapidly determine if a known virus is present. If not, the test indicates the presence of an unknown pathogen. In the event of an unknown, genomic sequencing is employed swiftly, often within 24 hours, to characterize the new virus and develop tailored CRISPR-based tests for future detection. This accelerates the diagnostic process from weeks or months to mere hours or days.