Researchers eliminate mosquito population through CRISPR gene editing technology

Researchers at Imperial College London have been able to wipe out a population of mosquitoes through ‘gene drive’ technology. The study, published in the journal Nature Biotechnology saw a CRISPR edited gene being used to prevent female mosquitos from being born.; ; As such after eight generations, an entirely male population had been born, which was then unable to breed. The technology may now be used to block the reproductive capabilities of mosquitoes in the real world, in order to prevent the transmission of malaria.