On February 23, the international famous Technology Review Journal MIT technology review published ten technological breakthroughs in 2016. Gao Caixia, researcher of Institute of genetics and developmental biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and her team's research and development achievements on precise editing technology of plant genes are among them.

MIT Technology Review pointed out that the technology can accurately, efficiently and cost effectively edit plant genome, which is expected to be used in crop genetic improvement and targeted breeding for Biosafety, improve agricultural productivity and meet the needs of growing population.

The main contribution of Gao Caixia's team is to establish a mature and efficient technology platform for precise editing of crop genes and make a successful attempt at directional breeding of important crops, which has achieved a series of world leading results.

In 2013, Gao Caixia team took the lead in editing multiple genes of rice and wheat with CRISPR / CAS, and obtained the first CRISPR edited plant in the world. In 2014, through the cooperation with Qiu Jinlong Laboratory of Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, three copies of MLO gene in hexaploid wheat were mutated at the same time for the first time, and wheat materials with long-lasting and broad-spectrum resistance to powdery mildew were successfully obtained. These two achievements have been published in the authoritative journal Nature Biotechnology in the field of biotechnology, and have attracted wide attention and high praise from top journals such as science and nature. The report affirms the great contribution of Gao Caixia team in plant gene editing, and points out that the technical system of wheat genome editing will bring revolutionary influence on the cultivation of new varieties of main grain crops. In addition, Gao Caixia's team directed the editing of osbadh2 gene to make ordinary rice with fragrance quality. They also established a new DNA virus defense technology system in plants by using CRISPR / CAS, which is of guiding significance to cultivate anti DNA virus crops. Recently, the U.S. Department of agriculture has announced that the wheat resistant to powdery mildew created by Gao Caixia's team is a non transgenic product, which is not subject to the control of transgenic laws and regulations. The wheat resistant to powdery mildew can directly enter the field to verify its resistance and other related properties.

Precise editing technology of plant gene is a major breakthrough of scientists in crop breeding and gene improvement technology innovation in China. It also provides an opportunity for crop breeding research and development in China to overtake in the corner. It is of landmark significance for China to seize the voice of the next generation of biotechnology breeding.

The other nine major technological breakthroughs selected this year are immune engineering, voice interface, recyclable rocket, knowledge sharing robot, DNA application store, SolarCity's super factory, slack communication software, Tesla autopilot and air power on.