Executive summary: The author argues political hurdles rather than technical challenges are preventing deployment of CRISPR gene drives to eradicate malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
Key points:
Gene drives could help eradicate malaria, but have not yet been deployed due to concerns about public backlash and resistance.
The technical steps for creating an antimalarial gene drive are feasible for a moderately equipped biology lab at a cost of under $1 million.
African governments likely have the resources to deploy gene drives, so political will is the primary obstacle.
Advocacy and public relations efforts may help gain acceptance for antimalarial gene drives.
With approximately 1600 deaths daily, rapid deployment of gene drives against malaria is morally urgent.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, andcontact us if you have feedback.
Executive summary: The author argues political hurdles rather than technical challenges are preventing deployment of CRISPR gene drives to eradicate malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
Key points:
Gene drives could help eradicate malaria, but have not yet been deployed due to concerns about public backlash and resistance.
The technical steps for creating an antimalarial gene drive are feasible for a moderately equipped biology lab at a cost of under $1 million.
African governments likely have the resources to deploy gene drives, so political will is the primary obstacle.
Advocacy and public relations efforts may help gain acceptance for antimalarial gene drives.
With approximately 1600 deaths daily, rapid deployment of gene drives against malaria is morally urgent.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.