As genetic engineering and DNA manipulation tools like CRISPR continue to advance, the distinction between what science ‘could’ and ‘should’ do becomes murkier.
Articles on Gene drive
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There are signs that UK will be bolder and less accountable in its genetic defence research than many other countries.
Squirrel feeders laced with contraceptives could be used to suppress grey squirrels in the UK.
Gene drive guarantees that a trait will be passed to the next generation. But should society use this tool to control insect populations?
When geneticists create mice with special traits, there is no way to be sure that they will be inherited by the offspring. But a new genetic tool called a gene drive may fix the problem.
Researchers are exploring genetic forms of population control called gene drives that spread traits faster that happens naturally. The goal is to curb mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
New research could allow us greater control over what happens to genetically modified organisms once they’re in the wild.
Releasing just 100 mice carrying a faulty gene designed to stop them reproducing can remove an entire population of 50,000, a new study shows, paving the way for new eradication efforts.
A broad process of communication and consultation should be initiated before gene drives are applied to control pests and diseases in Australia.
It’s possible to alter the make-up of a species such as a mosquito’s ability to pass on the deadly malaria parasite. But we need to consider the pros and cons of such gene editing technology.
Insecticides and mosquito nets only get you so far. Synthetic biologists are ready to take the battle against mosquito-borne disease to the level of DNA – which might spell the insects’ ultimate doom.
New genetic technology could change the DNA of entire species to prevent them from spreading diseases.
Top contributors
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Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions, Arizona State University
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Professor of Mathematical Biology, University of Oxford
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Professor of Applied Mathematics, Adelaide University
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Professor and Chair of Philosophy, Wageningen University
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Adelaide University
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Professor, School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne
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Lecturer in Organic Chemistry, Cardiff University
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Director of the Wildlife Crime Research Hub, Australian Research Council Industry Laureate Fellow, Adelaide University
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PhD Student, Imperial College London
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Senior Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences, Adelaide University
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Senior Lecturer, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne
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Professor of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, University of Bath
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Lecturer in the School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University
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Postdoctoral fellow, Harvard University
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Graduate student, University of California, San Diego