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A close up of a tick held in a pair of forceps, with Kevin Esvelt’s face out of focus in the background.
CRISPR Gene Drives and the Future of Evolution
Genetic engineering pioneer Kevin Esvelt’s work highlights biotechnology’s immense potential for good—but also for catastrophe.
CRISPR Gene Drives and the Future of Evolution
CRISPR Gene Drives and the Future of Evolution

Genetic engineering pioneer Kevin Esvelt’s work highlights biotechnology’s immense potential for good—but also for catastrophe.

Genetic engineering pioneer Kevin Esvelt’s work highlights biotechnology’s immense potential for good—but also for catastrophe.

gene drive

an artistic rendering of CRISPR/Cas9
Ten Years of CRISPR
Sophie Fessl, PhD | Jun 28, 2022 | 7 min read
This month marks ten years since CRISPR-Cas9 was repurposed as a gene editing system, so we’re looking back at what has been accomplished in a decade of CRISPR editing.
Gene Drive–Equipped Mosquitoes Released into Lab Environment
Jef Akst | Feb 20, 2019 | 2 min read
The large-scale experiments aim to test how the technology would fare in the wild, if deployed to knock down populations of the pests.
The Scientist Speaks Podcast - Episode 2
Niki Spahich, PhD | 1 min read
The Buzz About Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
First Successful Gene Drive in Mammals
Abby Olena, PhD | Jan 23, 2019 | 4 min read
Researchers use a CRISPR-Cas9 strategy to expand a desired trait from 50 percent of mouse pups to about 72 percent.
No Ban on Gene Drives: UN Convention
Kerry Grens | Nov 30, 2018 | 1 min read
United Nations members agree to some restrictions on the technology, but not a total suspension of its use.
Study: Gene Drive Wipes Out Lab Mosquitoes
Ashley Yeager | Sep 24, 2018 | 2 min read
No females were produced after eight generations, causing the population to collapse.
CRISPR Gene Drive Used to Alter Mouse Coat Color
Shawna Williams | Jul 9, 2018 | 2 min read
It’s the first demonstration of the technology in mammals.
The Best Multimedia of 2017
Catherine Offord | Dec 27, 2017 | 3 min read
Editors’ picks of the year’s best in The Scientist infographics.
Gene Drive Limitations
Jef Akst | Oct 9, 2017 | 2 min read
In lab populations of genetically engineered mosquitoes, mutations arose that blocked the gene drive’s spread and restored female fertility.
Driving Down Pests
Amy Lewis | Aug 27, 2017 | 4 min read
A computer model estimates that gene-drive technology could wipe out populations of an invasive mammal on islands. 
Gene Drive’s Achilles Heel
Kerry Grens | May 22, 2017 | 1 min read
Rare genetic variants could blunt efforts to destroy pest populations. 
Gene Drives and Other Controversies
Mary Beth Aberlin | Jan 1, 2017 | 3 min read
Aedes and Anopheles control; three-parent babies; the PhD glut
Contributors
Ben Andrew Henry | Jan 1, 2017 | 3 min read
Meet some of the people featured in the January 2017 issue of The Scientist.
Using Gene Drives to Limit the Spread of Malaria
Tony Nolan and Andrea Crisanti | Jan 1, 2017 | 10 min read
Introducing genetic changes into mosquito populations could be key to effective malaria control.
Infographic: Using Gene Drive to Control Malaria
Tony Nolan and Andrea Crisanti | Dec 31, 2016 | 2 min read
For years, researchers have looked to genetically modify mosquitoes to prevent the spread of malaria. Now they have a promising strategy.
UN Rejects Calls for Moratorium on Gene Drive Research
Joshua A. Krisch | Dec 22, 2016 | 2 min read
Activists claim the technology is too risky, but scientists advise the United Nations to continue to support gene drive research.
Researchers Propose Solution to Gene Drive Technology Problem
Ben Andrew Henry | Nov 22, 2016 | 1 min read
Scientists are getting to closer to developing a technique that can suppress mosquito populations on a continental scale, based on preliminary modeling results.
“Maleness” Gene Found in Malaria Mosquito
Anna Azvolinsky | Jun 30, 2016 | 3 min read
Researchers have identified the male-determining gene in the malaria mosquito, whose expression in females is lethal.
CRISPR-Powered Malaria Mosquito Gene Drive
Tracy Vence | Nov 24, 2015 | 2 min read
Using the precision gene-editing tool, researchers demonstrate an ability to create large populations of malaria parasite–resistant mosquitoes.
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