NAS endorses measured approach to gene drive research

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine endorsed a cautionary, stepwise testing approach to research using gene drive systems, saying there is not yet sufficient evidence to support the release of gene drive-modified organisms into the environment. The recommendations came in a National Institutes of Health.

Gene drive systems include any genetic modifications with heritability that is greater than predicted by Mendelian genetics. The report found that the potential benefits of gene drive-modified organisms in ecosystem conversation, agriculture, basic research and public health justify conducting basic research and highly controlled field trials. The report called for the development of standard operating procedures for conducting gene drive research, careful consideration when choosing field test sites, and open access repositories to collect research data. ...