Researchers out of the University of California have developed a way of altering the genes of mosquitoes to eliminate their ability to transmit malaria to humans.
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Using a process called “gene drive,” the researchers essentially introduced malaria-blocking genes into the offspring of the Anopheles stephensi mosquito. It was so successful that it stopped malaria transmission in 99.5 per cent of the mosquito offspring.
Malaria is one of the oldest diseases on Earth, having been around for more than 4,000 years. About 3.4 billion people live in areas at risk of malaria transmission. According to the CDC, in 2013 there were an estimated 198 million cases of malaria.
The use of gene drive is controversial. Scientists have raised concern in several articles in Science magazine, mainly citing concerns over introducing an unnatural element to the environment and the possible consequences that can result from that.
The results appeared in the online journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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