Scientists reported repurposing bacterial retrons to produce intracellular single‑stranded DNA donors for gene editing, identifying candidates from metagenomic sequences and validating activity alongside CRISPR systems. The retron‑based editors synthesise repair templates in situ via self‑primed reverse transcription, potentially enabling efficient correction of large genomic regions without exogenous donor delivery. The technology could expand the scope of precise edits for complex genetic diseases and offers a complementary pathway to existing base and prime editors. Early results show promise for improving edit rates and reducing delivery burdens—key variables for therapeutic translation.