GM Mosquito-Gene Drive Combo Could Help Eliminate Malaria |
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Scientists have augmented a midgut gene of the Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, one of the main malaria vectors, to slow the growth of malaria-causing parasites. With the genetic modification, the parasites are unlikely to reach the mosquitoes' salivary glands and be passed on to humans when a mosquito bites. In addition, it shortens the mosquito's lifespan thereby providing more opportunities to block malaria transmission between mosquitoes and humans.
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Gene Drive Systems Effective in Suppression of Insect Pest Populations |
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Population suppression is an effective way to control insect pests and disease vectors that cause significant damage to crops and spread contagious diseases to plants, animals, and humans. A recent study available in the Bulletin of Entomological Research explores the advantages and limitations of using gene drive mechanisms for this purpose.
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Review Article Reflects on Challenges and Accomplishments of Gene Drives |
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Pest and disease outbreaks continue to pose a serious threat to human, crop, and animal lives, which places an urgent need for constant research and innovation that could help address these challenges. One potential novel tool is gene drives, genetic engineering approaches that may allow quick dissemination of genetic modifications in wild populations, offering hopes for medicine, agriculture, and conservation efforts.
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