That gene drive screw-up with the insects has me worried | Genetic Engineering Ethics

Ivan Wood · 2026-02-27T16:00:46.695179+00:00

They didn't think through the side effects and now a whole ecosystem is at risk. Why do we keep making the same mistakes?

jana_black6mo ago

Just like my attempt at a DIY ant farm. Thought I could fix a small problem, ended up with a whole new problem living in my kitchen. We're always so sure we've got the one simple fix. Nature laughs, then sends the bill.

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park.miles6mo ago

Yeah the whole ecosystem thing is what changed my mind too.

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dylan_owens6mo ago

Totally, @miles_gibson got it right about the web of life.

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miles_gibson6mo ago

Why do we keep rushing into stuff like this before we really get how it works? I mean, I get the same feeling, that they just see a problem and go for the fast fix without looking at all the connections. It's honestly scary to watch, knowing a whole web of life can get messed up from one change. Feels like we're never gonna learn.

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