News Genetics

In lab tests, this gene drive wiped out a population of mosquitoes

Success with the genetic engineering tool raises hopes of eliminating the malaria carrier

Anopheles gambiae mosquito

MARKED FOR DESTRUCTION  The malaria-carrying mosquito Anopheles gambiae’s days may be numbered. Scientists have devised a gene drive that bottomed out the mosquito’s populations in lab tests.

James D. Gathany/CDC

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

A new gene drive may push a species of malaria-carrying mosquito to extinction.