Brave New Planet Episode 6: Reshaping Nature Through Gene Drives

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A new technology, called gene drives, has the power to spread any genetic instructions you wish across an entire animal or plant species in the wild. It might let us restore ecosystems ravaged by invasive species, or help species adapt to climate change. And, it might save millions of children from dying of malaria. But could altering nature in this way, and on this scale, have unintended consequences? And, when it comes reshaping ecosystems, who needs to say yes?

For links to materials referenced in the episode, suggestions for further learning, and guest bios, visit bravenewplanet.org.

The Host

Eric Lander

Eric S. Lander, Ph.D. is president and founding director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. A geneticist, molecular biologist, and mathematician, he has played a pioneering role in…