News Animals

A natural gene drive could steer invasive rodents on islands to extinction

Genetic tweaks could render the mice infertile and eliminate populations in just 25 years

A house mouse eating on the ground

As humans set foot on islands, they often bring house mice along. Those mice can thrive on the local biodiversity. A new study suggests a few genetic changes might help reduce their numbers.

Panther Media GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo

By Bethany Brookshire

- More than 2 years ago

In the battle against the invasive house mouse on islands, scientists are using the rodent’s own genes against it.