Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Gene editing technique eliminates population of mosquitoes
The technique was utilised to target the Anopheles gambiae mosquito that is responsible for malaria transmission.
Study offers hope in the fight against malaria

Scientists have used gene editing technology to wipe out a population of caged mosquitoes for the first time.

Researchers from Imperial College London used a technique called ’gene drive’ to spread a genetic modification that blocks female production.

The technique was utilised to target the Anopheles gambiae mosquito that is responsible for malaria transmission. Researchers hope that mosquitoes carrying a gene drive could be released in the future to control wild mosquito populations.

Lead researcher Professor Andrea Crisanti, from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, said: “This breakthrough shows that gene drive can work, providing hope in the fight against a disease that has plagued mankind for centuries.

“There is still more work to be done, both in terms of testing the technology in larger lab-based studies and working with affected countries to assess the feasibility of such an intervention.”

In the study, the team targeted a gene called ‘doublesex’ which is responsible for whether a mosquito develops as a male or as a female. They engineered a gene drive solution to alter a region of the doublesex gene that is responsible for female development.

Males and females who carried the modified gene showed no changes. However, females with two copies of the modified gene displayed male and female characteristics, failed to bite, and did not lay eggs.

“It will still be at least 5-10 years before we consider testing any mosquitoes with gene drive in the wild, but now we have some encouraging proof that we’re on the right path,” Professor Crisanti continued. “Gene drive solutions have the potential one day to expedite malaria eradication by overcoming the barriers of logistics in resource-poor countries.”

The study is published in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.