New Gene Technology Can 'Alter Entire Populations on a Global Scale' — Some Scientists Are Worried

Photo by USFWS Mountain-Prairie.

By Hillary Vaughn
A powerful new technology could be used to manipulate nature by changing a species gene pool through reproduction, and it has scientists proceeding with caution.

The technology is called “gene drive” by Harvard scientists who say it allows them to “edit” genes in wild organisms. Dr. Kenneth Oye, a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, says gene drives are a game changer. “Gene drives cheat, they play a game," he explained. "They bias inheritance so the odds of the gene being passed on are raised substantially.”

For scientists, the possibilities of the technology are great. Gene drive lets researchers permanently block mosquitoes’ ability to spread malaria, for example. It can also be used to alter ticks, reducing the spread of Lyme disease.

“But its not just malaria -- any disease spread by mosquitos we can combat in this way," said Oye. "So that means dengue, that means yellow fever, that means, potentially closer to home, West Nile Virus.”

Because the technology has the potential to alter entire populations on a global scale scientists are proceeding with caution. The Harvard group is calling for public debate on the wisdom and safety of the technology before moving forward.

“Ethically I think it's an open and shut case. A slam dunk. That if you’re going to be taken actions that potentially affect the world, the world has a little voice in this,” said Oye.

For scientists the extent of the risk -- and consequences associated with the technology are unknown. Scientists say that if this tech goes awry, it could mean accidental extinction for entire species, or unpredictable gene re-mutations spreading cross-species.

Read More