For the first time, scientists have used the powerful, cutting-edge CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing method to snip HIV out of infected mice. Using three types of mouse research models, the researchers showed CRISPR/Cas9 could: 1) greatly reduce the capacity for HIV-fragment-containing cells in transgenic mice (mice altered to have relevant humanlike genetic qualities) to express the virus’s genetic materials; 2) genetically edit and suppress a very recent infection with EcoHIV, the mouse equivalent of human HIV; and 3) snip segments of HIV DNA out of infected human immune cells implanted in immune-suppressed mice. Now the scientists have their sights set on more advanced research in primates in hopes of eventually moving into human trials, pending approval and funding.