Nature: Ban on ‘gene drives’ is back on the U.N.’s agenda — worrying scientists
“Government representatives from nearly 170 countries will this month consider whether to temporarily ban the release of organisms carrying gene drives — a controversial technology that can quickly propagate a chosen gene throughout a population. The technique has the potential to eradicate disease, control pests, and alter entire ecosystems, but with unpredictable consequences — leading some groups to call for a global moratorium on its field applications. Chances are slim of a moratorium being approved at the upcoming meeting of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which begins on 17 November in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt…” (Callaway, 11/15).