Anti-CRISPRs are protein molecules harnessed from bacteriophages that  that can help mitigate some of the potential downsides of our ongoing genomic revolution. They offer us a way to control and regulate gene editing done with CRISPR-Cas systems, especially helpful in therapeutics and gene drives. 

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) funded gene editing research, typically related to ensuring its safety, from 2017 to 2021 as part of its "Safe Genes" project. Safe Genes was a funding initiative that provided $65 million to research labs across the country working on gene editing. For example, Jennifer Doudna received funding for anti-CRISPR research through the program. 

In 2024, Safe Genes appears largely defunct; the DARPA website has archived the project despite the urgent need for additional funding for safer gene editing. If the Safe Genes project is re-funded by the United States government, important research in the world of gene editing, including anti-CRISPRs, can continue. I urge you all to join me in petitioning for the reinstatement of DARPA's Safe Genes project. Please sign this petition today!