Gene drive technology works by forcing evolution’s hand, ensuring that an engineered trait is passed down to a higher proportion of offspring – across many generations – than would have occurred naturally. Gene drive was first identified as a potential saviour for animals decimated by non-native species – such as rodents and mosquitoes – in a 2014 study led by MIT scientist Kevin Esvelt. “Reducing populations of environmentally and economically destructive invasive species” was among the many “compelling opportunities” offered by the technology, he and colleagues wrote at the time. Today, Esvelt says he was mistaken to raise the hopes of conservationists, and that unbridled gene drive is too dangerous to be used for that purpose. “From a science perspective, putting a blanket moratorium on gene drive research just doesn’t make sense to me,” he told AFP.

Source: The Express Tribune December 06, 2017 07:07 UTC