Gene Drives for Wasp Control: A Study on Volunteer Perspectives

How would gene drive for wasps actually work? Could modified wasps make it back to their home range? Natalie Jones, former Wasp Wipeout Programme Manager and now Research Assistant at VUW shares key findings and questions raised in her recent Master’s study.
Novel gene technologies with the potential to drastically suppress invasive wasp populations on a national scale are currently being developed. Conservation volunteers, as the boots on the ground, are uniquely positioned to offer insights into how these novel control methods may be perceived by the public. A recent study found that while there is strong support for novel gene technology, this support is contingent on certain conditions being met and key concerns being addressed.
Natalie spoke with Phil Lester, a leading wasp scientist, to address several of these key concerns raised. This video features engaging infographics designed by The Seed Pod, aiming to make typically ‘science-heavy’ concepts more accessible to the general public.

[@joarach82]

This is an awesome long term plan!

[@bbb-t3h]

Loved this, super informative, thank you!!