CRISPR-Cas9 is the main gene-editing technology people usually mean when they talk about editing DNA. More recent variants like CRISPR-Cas12a and newer “no-cut” approaches are also being used to make editing more precise or less damaging.

Quick scoop

If you meant the New York Times or a headline about CRISPR, the most straightforward answer is that CRISPR-Cas9 is the best-known tool, while Cas12a is increasingly important for more flexible multi-gene editing. A newer 2026 development also points to CRISPR methods that can turn genes on without cutting DNA , which may reduce side effects in some therapies.

What each one does

  • CRISPR-Cas9: cuts DNA at a chosen spot so scientists can delete, replace, or repair a gene.
  • CRISPR-Cas12a: supports more seamless editing and can help researchers study multiple genetic changes at once.
  • No-cut CRISPR approaches: can switch genes on or off without making a direct DNA cut, which may be safer in some cases.

Best plain-English takeaway

If your question is simply “what CRISPR technology helps edit genes?”, the answer is CRISPR-Cas9. If you mean the newer, more advanced tools, Cas12a and non-cutting CRISPR systems are the ones to watch.

If you want, I can also turn this into a short social post, a headline-style answer, or a cleaner FAQ version.