The Daily Crunch 11/16/16 CRISPR's genetic scalpel gets used on an adult human being for the first time. That and more in The Daily Crunch for November 16, 2016. And if you're editing a human, you might as well add genetic-level support for Amazon Music Unlimited's new family plan right into their DNA. 1. CRISPR used to edit human DNA for the first time Scientists in China are the first to use CRISPR gene editing tech on a human being, having done so with an adult patient in the hopes of trying to help them fend off a particularly nasty case of lung cancer which has been non-responsive in the face of other treatment. The use of CRISPR on a person is controversial, and China is skipping ahead to the treatment phase while the U.S. is still concerned about safety trials. Regardless of who leads, human use of CRISPR could be revolutionary, both in medicine and beyond. 2. Mobalytics raises $2.6M to train better gamers Gamers are becoming pro athletes that drive big paydays, so it makes sense that Mobalytics' data-driven approach to analyzing and improving gamer performance would catch on. The Disrupt Cup winner has raised a $2.6 million seed round for its platform. Don't be surprised if one of the big leagues or a key gaming platform acquires them soon. 3. LeEco gets a helping hand China's LeEco made a lot of noise about its U.S. launch, and then came the news that it was really having capital issues. But now it's raised another $600 million – albeit at the expense of its electric car project in the U.S., according to our sources. 4. Samsung's latest acquisition adds to its car ambitions Samsung has acquired NewNet, a Canadian company that provides audio and connection tech for over 30 million cars around the world. This is almost certainly an automotive play, and a supplement to Samsung's acquisition of Harman, rather than something aimed at developing an iMessage competitor, as my colleague Jon suggests. Cars are clearly a big target for Samsung, though it looks like the company is focused on developing a role as a Tier 1 supplier first and foremost. 5. Intel's putting $250M in self-driving tech Intel is another big tech company that wants to be included in the autonomous driving revolution. The chipmaker will be investing $250 million in autonomous driving tech via its Intel Capital investment subsidiary, which is a lot to commit to so specific a field. Likely it'll be looking for acquisition targets through those investments, especially now that rival Qualcomm has picked up NXP, arguably the most important chipmaker working in cars today. 6. Amazon's new family Music Unlimited plan Music costs $15 for the whole family – it's basically a law now that Amazon Music Unlimited has a $14.99/month plan, too, to match competitors Spotify and Apple Music. Now if only some of this competition would drive those prices down for consumers – or at least result in better deals for musicians. |
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