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Isotope labelling with 13C-carbon has become a popular technique used to understand carbon dioxide electroreduction mechanisms. However, isotopes of carbon exhibit complex selectivity effects, which need to be carefully considered in the experimental design to avoid misinterpretations.
RNA-based biocatalysts, including ribozymes and CRISPR–Cas systems, promise transformative gene therapies through precise nucleic acid manipulation. This Comment highlights the key mechanistic insights, therapeutic applications and challenges for clinical translation, offering the prospect of personalized medicine.