Scientists say they have created a synthetic gene that may prevent the spread of malaria. In a report to be published in Thursday's issue of the British journal Nature, they note that the human-made gene prevents the proliferation of the tiny malaria parasites that grow in certain types of mosquitoes. A scientific group based in the United States, led by Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena, a geneticist at Case Western Reserve University, states that tests show that mosquitoes injected with the gene in question cannot transmit malaria to mice. To eradicate malaria-carrying mosquitoes, those injected with the human-made gene will be released into the wild.
Synthetic Gene Created to Combat Malaria - 2002-05-23
Scientists have developed a synthetic gene that could stop malaria transmission by preventing the growth of parasites in mosquitoes. Led by Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena, this research could lead to the release of modified mosquitoes into the wild to combat malaria. This breakthrough is significant in the fight against a disease that affects millions globally.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Scientists have developed a synthetic gene that prevents malaria parasites from growing in mosquitoes. This breakthrough could lead to the release of modified mosquitoes into the wild to combat malaria transmission.
- The synthetic gene was created by a team led by Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena.
- Tests show that mosquitoes injected with the gene cannot transmit malaria to mice.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Efforts to control malaria have been ongoing for decades, with varying degrees of success.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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