The research conducted at North Carolina State University on using genetic modification and “gene drive” technology to control the population of an invasive fruit fly called the spotted wing drosophila has shown a new way. The insects’ DNA was manipulated by the researchers to make the female offspring sterile, significantly reducing the chances of population rebound. The researchers could potentially collapse the fruit fly population in about 5 months by releasing modified flies that pass on the sterility trait to their offspring. It is not a new concept to genetically modify insects for pest control, but it has been less … Continue reading Gene-Modified ‘Sterile Soldiers’ to Eradicate Invasive Fruit Flies: Gene Drive To Tackle Pest