Seeing the upside in gene drives’ fatal flaw
Inevitable destructive mutations could be used to prevent genetic-engineering tool from running amok
BRAKE AWAY Gene drives cut DNA and paste themselves into an organisms’ genes. This ability enables them to be inherited by a majority of offspring, instead of the 50 percent chance a regular gene has of being passed on to the next generation. Mutations may stop gene drives’ spread, and that might be a good thing, some researchers say.
M. Telfer
ORLANDO, FLA. — What some people view as a flaw in a new genetic-engineering tool might actually be a safety feature, a study suggests.
