Can a wasp be genetically modified to eradicate all wasps

Nine To Noon - A podcast by RNZ

Work is underway to create a genetically altered wasp, which would be capable of eradicating all wasps. A collaboration of researchers are looking at whether a 'flaw' could be modified in to an invasive wasp species, which would subsequently spread it through a colony. Even if they're successful, the wasp they create will never actually be let out of the fully contained lab in Dunedin. The main outcome of the $11m dollar project is to determine the ethics of gene-driven pest control, and to consider whether such a technology could protect biodiversity - and do it safely. Amanda Black of Lincoln University is the co-director of Bioprotection Aotearoa, and the project's director researcher. And Peter Dearden of Otago University is the deputy director researcher, and also the director of Genomics Aotearoa - the first outfit in the world to genetically sequence a wasp.