Insect Gene Drives (Part 1)

Gene drives are a powerful technology that may be used to control pests.  The concepts key off of exploiting genetic vulnerabilities that are rapidly inherited, and cause populations to crash over a short time. Such instances happen naturally, but now scientists are engineering the genetics of pests to induce steep population declines from gene drives. Dr. Fred Gould from North Carolina State University discusses the technology, its risks, regulation and some of the social aspects of application of the science.  Interviewed by Dr. Paul Vincelli (@pvincell).  This episode is part 1 of two parts, and covers the technology and its ecological implications.  The social considerations are discussed by Dr. Jennifer Kuzma in this episode (released 4/7/2018).