All articles tagged with #genetic technology
Scientists are developing gene editing tools, like gene drives, to potentially eradicate mosquitoes responsible for spreading deadly diseases such as malaria, raising ethical questions about species extinction and ecological impacts, with some experts advocating caution and alternative strategies targeting the parasites instead.
Scientists are exploring the development of self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines, an extension of mRNA technology, which could lead to more rapid and effective vaccine development. These saRNA vaccines include an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) complex that replicates the RNA many times, allowing for a lower dose and fewer subsequent boosters. Preliminary research suggests that saRNA vaccines can produce antigens for weeks or months after a single injection. The use of nanoparticles to deliver the saRNA package also allows for immunity to multiple antigens with one injection. While more research is needed, saRNA vaccines show promise and do not present any unique safety concerns.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a new genetic technology called Ifegenia to suppress populations of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, which are the primary carriers of malaria in Africa. By using CRISPR technology to disrupt a gene that controls sexual development in female mosquitoes, the system selectively kills female mosquitoes while leaving males unharmed. This approach could provide a safe and scalable solution to eliminate malaria transmission and could potentially be adapted to target other disease-spreading mosquito species.