Gene drives could target screwworm as first species for deliberate extinction
By
Michael Le Page
Summary
Columnist Michael Le Page explores the controversial topic of using gene drives (extinction drives) to deliberately wipe out harmful species. While the technology could theoretically target malaria-carrying mosquitoes, the most likely first candidate is the flesh-eating screwworm, a devastating pest that causes severe damage to livestock and occasionally humans. The article discusses the science behind gene drives, the ethical debates surrounding species extinction, and why screwworm presents a more practical and less controversial first target than mosquitoes.
Source
bskyGene drives could target screwworm as first species for deliberate extinctionnewscientist.comKey quotes
· 4 pulledIn a few cases, the extinction of a species would be a good thing.
We now have the genetic technology to achieve this, in the form of extinction drives – more accurately called gene drives – that can defy evolution and spread harmful traits throughout a population.
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like this technology will be deployed against malaria-carrying mosquitoes any time soon.
Kevin Esvelt at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology says the flesh-eating screwworm is the most likely first target.
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