Friday, October 5, 2018
The Herman Trend Alert
October 3, 2018
Fighting Malaria with Genetics
You may remember that in 2014, Burkina Faso was the site of an outbreak of Ebola. That's why we were so excited when we read for the first time, researchers will release genetically engineered mosquitoes in three countries in Africa.
Burkina Faso will be first
Researchers recently announced that anytime this year or next, the government of Burkina Faso granted scientists permission to release genetically engineered mosquitoes. This permission is an important stage in the wider efforts to use bioengineering to eliminate malaria in the region.
"Gene drive" mosquitos hold the promise to reduce mosquito populations
The breakthrough is that "gene drive" mosquitoes contain a mutation that would meaningfully (and fast) reduce mosquito populations. In three African countries---Burkina Faso, Mali, and Uganda---research teams are laying the foundation to release these more benign mosquitos.
Africa was not first
In Africa, the project's success depends on more than just the science of genetic engineering. It also depends on trust. The project would be impossible without the consent of the people who live in the areas. Plus, researchers must staff and maintain labs to work with the genetically modified insects; and regulators must be willing to accept the new technology.
The Gates Foundation is playing a huge role
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has dedicated $70 million USD to support these research teams.
And so it begins
On August 10th, Burkina Faso's national biosafety authority granted permission for scientists to release up to 10,000 genetically engineered mosquitoes. The "Target Malaria" project coordinates the teams in African, as well as researchers in England and Italy. However, unlike their "gene drive" counterparts, these insects will not have a lasting impact on the insect population. They are different; they have something called a "sterile male" mutation because none of the released male mosquitoes will be able to procreate.
Only the beginning
Genetically modifying insects to reduce or eliminate their negative effect holds great promise for reducing the mosquito-borne illnesses that plague humankind. Although we have a basic bias against genetically modifying most things, for us, this development can't come soon enough.
Special thanks to Ike Swetlitz and Stat News; to read their whole article, visit here.
© Copyright 1998-2018 by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurist. 336-210-3548 or http://www.hermangroup.com. To sign up, visit http://www.HermanTrendAlert.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc."
*********
APF FUTURES FESTIVAL: 12 HOURS ONLINE OCTOBER 27TH: DIVERSE FUTURES
The Association of Professional Futurists proudly presents its annual online learning experiences on Diverse Futures. Network with leading futurists from all over the world. And best of all, it's free to attend, though contributions are encouraged to help defray costs. For more information, visit here.
*********
The Herman Group is a firm of Strategic Business Futurists concentrating on workforce and workplace issues. We forecast the future and advise clients regarding relevant trends and how those trends may affect their lives. Applying our expertise as Certified Management Consultants, we advise corporate leaders regarding employee retention and organizational development to help them build workforce stability. We help organizations become Employers of Choice®. We also work with Employer of Choice, Inc. to formally recognize employers that meet the stringent standards dictated by the labor marketplace. As authors of management books and as active professional speakers, we inform and inspire people to make a positive difference in the world of work.
You did really get the ball rolling with our retention presentation, overall we have seen a move in the right direction with our turnover.
In practice since 1980, we have served a wide variety of clients throughout the United States and in other countries. Our global affiliates assist us in sharing our expertise and advice with clients internationally. Our team of professional consultants and trainers is supported by an administrative staff that gets things done. We also have consultants certified to deliver our programs in your local area.
Delivering to both small and large groups across 100 industries, The Herman Group has provided over 2,500 educational and informative keynote speeches and training seminars worldwide.
Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, we travel extensively to meet the needs of our clients. We can always be reached through the support team in our office at (800) 227-3566. Overseas callers may reach us through 336-210-3547.
Should you have any questions after touring our website, please call or e-mail us at info@hermangroup.com.
Get started now on improving the stability and performance of your workforce and increase your chances for success in the future.