Multimedia
Genetically modified mice could fight Lyme disease in Massachusetts
35429Dave Puglisi, 7News, 2026-01-29 10:43:05.
Tiny insects are spreading a devastating disease. Scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) believe they’ve discovered something that could help stop Lyme disease before it starts. “The right side of my body went numb. I felt disoriented. My heart was racing,” said Brandi Dean. Dean thought what she was experiencing was a stroke but it was actually the start of a 10-year battle with Lyme disease. “It’s a devastating illness, emotionally, physically, and financially,” she said. The illness began with a tick bite that spread bacteria throughout her body. “I was really struggling to just survive every day and to take care of my kids,” said Dean. Brandi pushed through muscle pain, dizziness and exhaustion so severe she couldn’t walk down the stairs. “I would literally scoot down each stair. I had very little energy to walk,” said Dean. “It was frightening at that time.” Doctor Sam Telford, a professor of infectious disease and global health at Tufts University, has studied ticks for more than 40-years. He says mice are a perfect host for several diseases ticks can spread. “They’re very good hosts for the bacteria. They suffer no disease from having the bacteria,” said Telford. “They pass it back-and-forth and us humans are collateral damage.”
Out-of-the-Box Innovations Against Malaria
35287Foreign Policy, 2025-11-06 17:34:40.
Malaria kills nearly 600,000 people every year, with 95 percent of deaths occurring in Africa. Most of them are children under the age of 5. While progress on curbing malaria has flattened in recent years, new scientific breakthroughs may bring the world closer than ever not only to controlling malaria outbreaks but potentially also to eradicating the disease. In this episode, we focus on the best mosquito control strategies to eliminate malaria. Host Henry Bonsu interviews Fredros Okumu, a professor at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and a scientist at Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania. His research evaluates many of the latest tools to combat malaria, including next-generation insecticide bed nets, indoor residual sprays, and spatial repellants, also known as spatial emanators. Then, reporter Paul Adepoju talks to scientists from the U.K.- and Tanzania-based Transmission Zero project. They have developed genetically modified mosquitoes that could dramatically reduce the transmission of malaria. Adepoju speaks with Dickson Wilson Lwetoijera, a leading entomologist also at the Ifakara Health Institute, as well as Nikolai Windbichler from Imperial College London, who leads the molecular genetics side of the Transmission Zero project.
Nature goes inside the world’s largest ‘mosquito factory’ — here’s the buzz
35120Adam Levy & Mariana Lenharo, Nature, 2025-09-08 08:31:27.
Raising mosquitoes to tackle disease might sound like an odd concept, but that’s what a facility in Brazil is aiming to do. Millions of mosquitoes are produced there every week, but these insects carry harmless Wolbachia bacteria that curbs their ability to spread deadly human viruses. Nature reporter Mariana Lenharo visited the facility and told us all about her experience in this Podcast Extra.
Governance Landscape of Gene Drive for Malaria
35069GeneConvene Global Collaborative, 2025-08-28 10:24:11.
This infographic presents a hypothetical example of how real governance mechanisms could work to make decisions about gene drive field trials.
Ecology and evolution in gene drive modeling
35060NSF-Simons NITMB, YouTube, 2025-08-25 16:09:18.
Speaker: Gili Greenbaum Title: Ecology and evolution in gene drive modeling This talk was recorded as part of the Modeling and Theory in Population Biology workshop at NITMB. The NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology (NITMB) aims to integrate the disciplines of mathematics and biology in order to transform the practice of biological research and to inspire new mathematical discoveries. NITMB is a partnership between Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. It is funded by the National Science Foundation DMS-2235451 and the Simons Foundations MP-TMPS-00005320. The mission of the NITMB is to create a nationwide collaborative research community that will generate new mathematical results and uncover the “rules of life” through theories, data-informed mathematical models, and computational and statistical tools. The NITMB leverages close collaborations between experimentalists and theorists to synergize discovery. The fundamental research done by NITMB will stimulate advances in areas as diverse as the environment, medicine, and technology development. NITMB members and visitors share space in downtown Chicago that is readily accessible to collaborators across the U.S. and the world. NITMB uses an interlocking set of strategies and initiatives aimed at broad impacts for the mathematical and biological research communities. Targeted research bringing together mathematicians and biologists to collaborate and train the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists. Scientific long programs, workshops, and conferences enhancing collaboration between mathematics and biology. An innovative research program organized around five interrelated themes, selected because they reflect key capabilities of biological systems and interconnect with open mathematical problems.
RESEARCH GROUP PUSHES GENE DRIVE TECHNOLOGY TO END MALARIA IN AFRICA || NEWS UPDATE
35049IDEA TV, YouTube, 2025-08-24 18:23:33.
Importation of the non gene drive male bias mosquito to Uganda
34926Target Malaria, YouTube, 2025-06-23 14:55:08.
This video documents the importation of non gene drive male bias mosquitoes by Target Malaria’s team in Uganda. The video follows the journey from Entebbe Airport to the Arthropod Containment Level 2 (ACL2) insectary at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, highlighting key moments such as interviews with project staff and stakeholders—including regulatory officials and members of the community consultative group. It also captures the process of unpacking the eggs from the secure packaging and transferring them to the larval trays. Produced in both English and Luganda, this video is designed for project stakeholders, supporting presentations and other communication efforts to keep communities and partners informed about the project’s activities in Uganda.
Gene Drive Mosquitoes: Can We End Malaria?
34930The Curious Scholarette, YouTube, 2025-06-19 14:56:01.
What if we could genetically modify mosquitoes to stop malaria in its tracks? In this episode of The Curious Scholarette, we explore the groundbreaking world of gene-drive technology — a powerful tool that could eliminate malaria-carrying mosquitoes by altering their DNA. But with great power comes great ethical debate. 🔬 In this video, we break down: What gene drives are and how they work How scientists are using CRISPR to disrupt mosquito reproduction or malaria transmission Evidence from field trials and lab experiments The potential risks: ecological disruption, irreversible changes, and bioethical concerns Perspectives from global health experts, bioethicists, and community leaders 📍 Why it matters: Malaria kills over 600,000 people each year, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Could gene-drive mosquitoes be the silver bullet? Or are we playing with fire? 🧪 Sources Cited: WHO Malaria Report
Status of gene drive research in Africa; Ifakara Health Institute
34941African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium, YouTube, 2025-06-16 08:56:50.
The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium is an agreement established by not-for-profit member organizations based in Africa with a vision to build an informed local leadership to support the requirements for development, decision-making and on the utility of genetic biocontrol technologies for animal, public health, and conservation in Africa. To fulfil this vision the Consortium has established a Forum for Institutional Committees in Africa (IBC - Africa Forum) to provide a platform for interaction among African experts and institutions to enhance opportunities for technical capacity strengthening, knowledge exchange and deliberation about the challenges and opportunities of genetic biocontrol technologies for the public good, which will amplify African influence on their development and provide critical input for decision-making by product developers, policy makers, and other stakeholders. An Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is a committee created in an Institution in accordance with the Biosafety law or regulation in a Country. The IBC reviews, approves and oversees research involving the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), recombinant or synthetic DNA/RNA and other biohazards. The IBC assists the Principal Investigator, supervisors, funders, and the Biosafety Regulators with obtaining proper authorization for their studies. The Committee also approves procedures for procurement, use, storage, transportation, and disposal of bio-hazardous material.
The state of regulatory and governance frameworks for gene drives outside of Africa
34865African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium, YouTube, 2025-05-26 21:12:33.
Regional and global perspectives on gene drive regulation. Discussion on the state of regulatory and governance frameworks for gene drives outside of Africa, covering regional priorities and challenges.
Global and regional updates on gene drive governance; AUDA-NEPAD update on regional work
34860African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium, YouTube, 2025-05-26 21:04:00.
AUDA-NEPAD update on regional work. Presentation on AUDA-NEPAD’s initiatives and progress in governance and capacity-building efforts related to synthetic biology, particularly on gene drives.
Inside the lab breeding malaria resistant GM mosquitoes
34618Reuters, YouTube, 2025-03-18 12:02:59.
An international team of scientists are developing genetically modified mosquitoes that can slowly convert the entire wild population of mosquitoes resistant to transmitting malaria, the world’s most deadly disease.
What Is Gene Drive? – Biology For Everyone
34607Biology for Everyone, YouTube, 2025-03-18 11:07:30.
What Is Gene Drive? In this informative video, we will introduce you to the intriguing concept of gene drive, a revolutionary technology that enables the rapid transmission of specific traits within a species. We will break down the mechanics of how gene drive works, including the role of genetic engineering tools like CRISPR-Cas9. You will learn about the process of inserting a gene drive into an organism's DNA and how it ensures that the desired genes are passed on to nearly all offspring. We'll also discuss the various applications of gene drives, including their potential to combat insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika, as well as their use in managing invasive species and addressing pesticide resistance. Additionally, we will explore the different types of gene drives, such as homing-based gene drives and sex distorter drives, and how these methods can impact populations. While the potential of gene drives is exciting, we will also touch on the associated risks and the importance of careful management to prevent unintended consequences. Join us for this engaging discussion, and subscribe to our channel for more enlightening content on biology and genetic technologies.
2nd Edition Report: Gene Drives for Malaria Control and Elimination in Africa
34579African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies, APET Secretariat, 2025-03-12 16:43:52.
Malaria continues to impose a significant economic and public health burden on Africa. In 2021, the continent accounted for 95% of the global 247 million new malaria cases and 96% of the 619,000 malaria-related deaths. Notably, over three-quarters (77%) of these deaths occurred among children under the age of five. At present, ten countries—Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania—have been classified as High Burden, High Impact (HBHI) nations, collectively contributing to 68% of all malaria cases and 70% of malaria-related fatalities globally. Furthermore, approximately 1,031,000,000 individuals across Africa are estimated to be at risk of contracting malaria. Extensive studies have consistently demonstrated a strong correlation between economic development rates and the burden of malaria, underscoring malaria’s role as a critical impediment to economic progress. The direct economic costs of malaria are substantial, placing immense strain on the limited resources of the affected African nations. Countries severely burdened by malaria exhibit Gross Domestic Products (GDPs) that are up to five times lower than those of malaria-free nations. The annual economic growth loss in endemic countries is estimated at 1.3%, equating to as much as US$12 billion in lost productivity. Moreover, malaria contributes to between 5-8% of school absenteeism among African children and causes an additional 2.4 to 6.5 days of absenteeism per student. The costs associated with malaria prevention and treatment further highlight the economic challenge. The annual cost of protecting one individual against malaria ranges from US$1.18 to US$5.97 through vector control measures. Diagnosis costs have a median of US$6, while treatment costs for each case vary depending on severity, ranging from US$9 to US$89.93. As such, malaria remains the foremost public health priority in Africa, with the costs of treatment and disease prevention far exceeding the financial capacities of most African governments. A further pressing concern is the recent introduction and establishment of Anopheles stephensi, a species of mosquito that poses a significant threat to the Horn of Africa and beyond. This invasive species, which tends to bite outdoors, could exacerbate the existing malaria burden and undermine the gains made in malaria control over the past two decades. The global response to malaria control heavily relies on donor funding, which is currently only sufficient to meet half of the required global funding targets. This reliance on external financing is unsustainable and highly vulnerable to shifts in political priorities in donor countries. Approximately a quarter of the global malaria funding is directed to Africa for the provision of insecticide-treated nets, rapid diagnostic tests, and medicines, while national funding should cover the operating costs of the broader health sector. Existing malaria control measures, including the use of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), and Larval Source Management (LSM), have demonstrated limited effectiveness, especially against the newly introduced invasive mosquito species. This underscores the necessity for the development and adoption of innovative mosquito control approaches, such as Attractive Targeted Sugar Bait (ATSB), Endocticides, Improved Housing, Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), and Paratransgenesis. Research into these methods is ongoing, and their potential for improving malaria control strategies is considerable. To supplement existing malaria control efforts, innovative technologies like Gene Drive present promising long-term solutions to protect the most vulnerable populations and address the malaria burden in Africa. The African Union (AU) has recognised the potential of Gene Drive technology and has endorsed its development, with support from the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). This initiative aims to foster conducive environments for research, develop regulatory frameworks, and engage stakeholders across African Union Member States, ensuring a collaborative approach to the ongoing fight against malaria.
What are the evolutionary considerations of rodent gene drives for conservation and human health?
34662Triangle Center for Evolutionary Medicine, YouTube, 2025-02-21 09:38:19.
Biodiversity, human health, and food security can all be impacted by invasive rodents. These negative impacts are particularly seen on islands, where rodent eradications with traditional methods can sometimes fail due to evolutionary resistance. Gene drives may offer an approach to the challenge of rodent eradication on islands. My primary research focus is wild house mice (Mus musculus) and the potential use of gene drive technology. Mus are a key genetic model system and an invasive species on many islands worldwide. Evolutionarily sound approaches are needed, and we are investigating ways to tailor genetic techniques to unique island populations. Using models on gene drive mice can help us predict how laboratory/wild mice would introgress into a population. Evolutionary resistance is also possible; the mice may evade our best methods. However, gene drive technology in rodents can potentially produce significant gains for conservation and society. To this end, a broad interdisciplinary lens with many differing perspectives is required.
Genetically modified mosquitoes could combat deadly diseases, scientists say
34255The Sydney Morning Herald, 2025-01-13 15:25:27.
Genetically modified mosquitoes could be the solution to stopping deadly diseases spread by mosquito bites, scientists say.
Should We Unleash GMO Mosquitoes?
34051Brooke Borel and Anna Rothschild, Entanglements, 2024-12-16 14:26:29.
In this episode of Entanglements, hosts Brooke Borel and Anna Rothschild discuss the ethics and risks of genetically modified (GMO) mosquitoes. They explore differing expert opinions, focusing on technologies like gene drives and sterile males, examining ecological and safety concerns while debating whether releasing GMO insects is ultimately beneficial.
How genetically engineered mice could stop the spread of Lyme disease
33874Cristela Guerra and Stephanie Brown, WBUR Radio Boston, 2024-12-10 16:36:59.
New England has some of the highest rates of Lyme disease in the country. MIT researchers are trying to fight the disease in a project that involves releasing hundreds of thousands of engineered mice onto the shores of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. On Radio Boston, Kevin Esvelt, an associate professor at the MIT Media Lab and the inventor of CRISPR-based gene drive, discusses the project.
TEDxGreatMills | Michael Santos | High-Stakes Decision Making for World-Changing Technologies
2024-12-10 14:13:59.
