Genetic Engineering and Diseases – Gene Drive & Malaria

We have the choice to attack one of our oldest enemies with genetic engineering. But should we do it?

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SOURCES AND FURTHER READING
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Harvard FAQs on gene drive:

Research paper on using CRISPR for malaria gene drive:

Nature article on engineered mosquitos:

STAT new article on using gene drive against Zika:

Tech review article on using gene drive against malaria:

Smithsonian on deadliness of mosquitos:

Science article about the risks of the technology:

New Yorker on Pros and Cons:

Gates note on death rate through mosquitos:

Status quo on field trial in the U.S.:

Evolution working against gene drive technology:

Research paper on evolution of resistance against gene drive:

Science news on possible safety feature for gene drive:

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[YMS]

I'm okay with eradicating mosquitoes.

[magicman]

I love this channel, i wish school was like this...

[jcarbon]

Malaria too OP for game, must be nerfed/banned.


- Immune System

[swiftycortex]

"Imagine that, killing someone from their inside, and then using their skin as camouflage. Brutal!"
Imagine that, sharing scientific information with love, and highlighting the horrific. Contagious! Thank you Kurgesagt, every video I have watched has been a concise, informative, and joyous piece of art, which I have loved watching equally as much as it's made with love.

[grande]

So I guess my hatred for mosquitoes is justified.

[sahilbaxi]

Coming here after the news of genetically modified mosquitoes being released in Florida, and it suddenly makes more sense

[CdeCiencia]

Since the biggest problem with modified mosquitoes could be the parasite adapting to become stronger, couldn't we test its interaction in the lab on a reduced scale and then proceed if there was no adaptation?

[lunawazhere]

It's now 2023, and I am very pleased to inform this video that genetic mosquito engineering has been a success in many countries, and I have visited one called "Singapore". This country uses Project Wolbachia, a name they came up with for a project, in which they released thousands of genetically modified male mosquitoes into the surroundings to mate with female mosquitoes and produce harmless offspring. Some versions of the modified mosquitoes completely block off the birth of female mosquitoes by killing them even before they turn into adults. As a result, more male mosquitoes are hatching than female mosquitoes and dengue cases in Singapore are going down rapidly. I am proud of this country and every country in the world that has tried this genetic mosquito project. This might just be what we all need to overcome malaria, dengue, zika and many other diseases mosquitoes have brought horror upon in this world.

[Derpsider]

so the mosquito is one of Our Deadliest Enemies?
well then, I just killed one of them on the wall and will call myself from now on a *WAR HERO*

[leinadlink]

I think it should be tested first in an enclosed enviroment to see how the mosquitoes develop and evaluate it's effectiveness. We want to help those affected by that terrible virus, but we don't want to make a mistake that could create a bigger problem.

[aidanrozema]

I did my health fair project on malaria, inspired by this. I got an A+ so thank you.

[natileroxs]

As someone with beta thalassemia, I'm not too worried about contracting malaria. but the rest of the symptoms aren't exactly a great trade-off even with a mild version

[mohrman]

Just build a wall and make the mosquitoes pay for it.

[puggumpus]

Living in Africa, as a young kid, I've heard of malaria once, and every single time I've gotten a mosquito bite, I was getting ready for death...luckily those preparations were never used

[marclikesmoths]

That CRISPR sword was highkey aesthetic

[nooneofconsequence]

These videos help to remind that the professionals and experts do really consider all the possibilities along with consequences in science.

[James]

Everytime I watch Kurzgesagt's video, it feels as if I'm watching a movie.

[sebastianpoppenborg]

I always get goosebumps when you say 5 People died of Malaria since the video started.

[-hitman-]

The immune system really needs a buff in the next update