Scientists want to alter rodent genes to prevent mice plagues
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P. Hannon,
The Sydney Morning Herald,
2021.
Mice plagues, such as the one ravaging parts of inland NSW, could become a thing of the past if scientists succeed in modifying the genes of the rodents so that populations crash before they can take off. Paul Thomas, a researcher at the University of Adelaide, is part of an international consortium including the CSIRO and the US Department of Agriculture, studying how to safely alter genes to make female mice infertile. The techniques learned could potentially be applied to other damaging invasive mammals such as cats and foxes. More related to this: Rodent gene drives for conservation: opportunities and data needs Sustainability as a framework for considering gene drive mice for invasive rodent eradication Developing gene drive technologies to eradicate invasive rodents from islands
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