News Genetics

Current CRISPR gene drives are too strong for outdoor use, studies warn

Heritable gene-editing tools need reliable brakes to prevent them from spreading worldwide

brushtail possum

SO CUTE, SO WRONG  No one has a genetic way of getting rid of invasive brushtail possums (shown) in New Zealand, but now is the time to debate whether CRISPR gene drives are too strong to be considered, two researchers argue.

Pleio/iStockphoto

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

Gene-editing tools heralded as hope for fighting invader rats, malarial mosquitoes and other scourges may be too powerful to use in their current form, two new papers warn.