Mosquito Gene Tweak Edges Malaria Control Closer
Scientists have found a new way to help stop mosquitoes from spreading malaria.
A team from the University of California (UC) San Diego, Johns Hopkins, UC Berkeley, and the University of Sao Paulo changed just one tiny part of a mosquito’s gene using the revolutionary CRISPR technology. This small adjustment stops the malaria parasites from reaching the mosquito’s saliva, and preventing transmission to humans.
The alteration doesn’t harm the mosquito; It still feeds, grows and has offspring as per usual. To disperse this genetic trait, the researchers used a tool called an “allelic drive”, which ensures almost all the insect’s offspring inherit the change. In lab tests, the new gene spread through over 90% of mosquitoes in just ten generations.
“This one tiny change has such a dramatic effect,” said UC San Diego geneticist and study lead, Ethan Bier.
Co-author George Dimopoulos added: “With a single, precise tweak, we’ve turned it into a powerful shield.”
The modification uses a natural gene variant, which is ultimately safer for the environment than other methods. However, additional testing is needed before it can be used in the wild.
Malaria kills hundreds of thousands each year, with reports from 2023 stating that the disease claimed close to 600 000 – 80% were children – in that year. This new method could be a big step in curbing the affliction.
Image Credit: Source
