Scientists Tweak Mosquito DNA to Block Malaria

Scientists have been able to modify the genes of mosquito in order to make them resistant to the malaria pathogen Plasmodium falciparum.

According to a study published in the journal PNAS, they were able to achieve this feat by using a new genetic editing tool known as CRISPR/Cas9.

Study co-author Ethan Bier, a geneticist at the University of California, San Diego said “This is really big step forward in the quest for genetic control of malaria.”

World Health Organisation statistics estimate that Malaria killed more than half a million people last year, mostly in low-income countries in Africa and in other developing countries.

However the use of new drugs, protective equipment, and environmental changes have helped reduce deaths from malaria by nearly 50% since 2000.

Church added that “With 600,000 lives at stake each year, hopefully this [new work] will get thorough, high priority experiments on safety and effectiveness.”