link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41434-024-00468-8
2nd link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10795774/
Tags: Gene Drive, Population Genetics, Public Health
Commentary: Scientists are developing gene drives genetic tools that force a trait to spread rapidly through wild populations to reduce mosquito populations that transmit malaria. The goal is to either make mosquitoes infertile or prevent them from carrying the parasite. This is a powerful example of applied genetics affecting global health. Gene drives have the potential to save millions of lives, but they also raise concerns about ecosystem disruption. This article helped me understand how genetics can influence entire populations, not just individuals.
Although I don’t like mosquitoes as much as everyone else, I don’t think it is right for us to make mosquitoes as a whole infertile. Many other species of animals may be reliant on the mosquito population, and it would be hard to predict the repercussions of drastically reducing their population. I do however agree with preventing them from carrying the parasite.
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