Episode 5: What are Gene Drives and How Do They Work?

Gene drives and Mosquitoes: A new technology could save us from the deadliest parasite in the world today, but we aren't using it. Here's why.The episode thumbnail image this month is a microscope image of human blood cells infected by Plasmodium falciparum the parasite that kills millions. Its transmission could possibly be stopped by a gene drive system but their release is halted to ensure that the technology is safe and desired by the public. This weeks scientific paper describing the creation of these gene drive mosquitoes was headed by Dr. Anthony James. He did an interview on the National Academy of Sciences Podcast talking about his work and the challenges of being a mixed race scientist. He also was a guest on the NPR radio show All Things Considered. The Technology Review wrote a news article on genetic modification and its use in forced extinctions.  The music for this podcast is by http://www.bensound.com/badass Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.