Geneticists from the University of California San Diego developed gene drive
technologies to combat insecticide resistance by replacing resistant genes
in insects with genes that restore susceptibility to pesticides. The
researchers say that this new genetic system has the potential to protect
valuable crops and vastly reduce the use of chemical pesticides.



In their study, all of the offspring were converted to their native genes in
eight-to-ten generations, which took six months in flies. The researchers
said that the self-eliminating nature of the e-Drive means that it can be
introduced and re-introduced as needed. The experts are currently developing
a similar e-Drive system in mosquitoes to help prevent the spread of
malaria.



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