LSI Blog - Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Scientists Create Malaria-resistant Mosquito
Researchers alter a mosquito gene to prevent the
growth of malaria-causing parasites.
Summary: Researchers from the U. of Arizona have altered a mosquito
gene to make the insects less hospitable to the parasites that cause
malaria. The scientists' ultimate goal is to introduce malaria-resistant
mosquitoes into the environment. Professor Michael Riehle said, "Before
we do this, we have to somehow give the mosquitoes a competitive
advantage over the disease-carrying insects."
The scientists altered a gene that codes for a "signaling molecule," a
protein that allows the mosquito's cells to communicate with each other
and is necessary for the development of the parasites inside the mosquito.
The genetic tweak disrupted the whole process and also shortened the
lifespan of the mosquitoes. The scientific team also added a fluorescent
tag to the gene to help the scientists verify that it had been successfully
inserted.
The technique was tested on Plasmodium falciparum, the most harmful of
the malaria parasites, according to Gareth Lycett, a British malaria
researcher. He cautioned though that testing has not yet been carried out
using the Anopheles gambiae mosquito which he said is the "major vector"
of malaria in Africa where the disease is most common.
(Photograph from Wikimedia Commons.)
To read the entire article, click on this link to BBC NEWS.
Comment: Some people don't like the idea of genetic engineering
because it can lead to plenty of mischief, like human cloning. However,
this story shows genetic engineering in a positive light. When God allows
scientists to discover ways of using this means to potentially eradicate a
feared disease like malaria, this sounds like a reason to rejoice.
These scientists are smart enough not to just sit around and wait for the
mosquitoes to "evolve" resistance to the dangerous parasites. They have
used their intelligence to work on a new design for the mosquito genes
which just may have accomplished that task. Only time will tell if this early
sign of success will translate into a major victory over a major disease.
God is certainly the Master Designer, which becomes clear as we study
His wonderful creation. Of all His designs though, first on the list is the
plan for our salvation which He has devised. This plan is so simple, yet
often so difficult for sinful man to accept. There is no series of
complicated steps one must take before salvation becomes his. While
sinful humans often find the plan too simple and too easy, we are told
merely to "believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31)."
When that happens we begin willingly to serve the Lord, not in order to be
saved, but because we are saved.
Scientists Create Malaria-resistant Mosquito
Researchers alter a mosquito gene to prevent the
growth of malaria-causing parasites.
Summary: Researchers from the U. of Arizona have altered a mosquito
gene to make the insects less hospitable to the parasites that cause
malaria. The scientists' ultimate goal is to introduce malaria-resistant
mosquitoes into the environment. Professor Michael Riehle said, "Before
we do this, we have to somehow give the mosquitoes a competitive
advantage over the disease-carrying insects."
The scientists altered a gene that codes for a "signaling molecule," a
protein that allows the mosquito's cells to communicate with each other
and is necessary for the development of the parasites inside the mosquito.
The genetic tweak disrupted the whole process and also shortened the
lifespan of the mosquitoes. The scientific team also added a fluorescent
tag to the gene to help the scientists verify that it had been successfully
inserted.
The technique was tested on Plasmodium falciparum, the most harmful of
the malaria parasites, according to Gareth Lycett, a British malaria
researcher. He cautioned though that testing has not yet been carried out
using the Anopheles gambiae mosquito which he said is the "major vector"
of malaria in Africa where the disease is most common.
(Photograph from Wikimedia Commons.)
To read the entire article, click on this link to BBC NEWS.
Comment: Some people don't like the idea of genetic engineering
because it can lead to plenty of mischief, like human cloning. However,
this story shows genetic engineering in a positive light. When God allows
scientists to discover ways of using this means to potentially eradicate a
feared disease like malaria, this sounds like a reason to rejoice.
These scientists are smart enough not to just sit around and wait for the
mosquitoes to "evolve" resistance to the dangerous parasites. They have
used their intelligence to work on a new design for the mosquito genes
which just may have accomplished that task. Only time will tell if this early
sign of success will translate into a major victory over a major disease.
God is certainly the Master Designer, which becomes clear as we study
His wonderful creation. Of all His designs though, first on the list is the
plan for our salvation which He has devised. This plan is so simple, yet
often so difficult for sinful man to accept. There is no series of
complicated steps one must take before salvation becomes his. While
sinful humans often find the plan too simple and too easy, we are told
merely to "believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31)."
When that happens we begin willingly to serve the Lord, not in order to be
saved, but because we are saved.
