Search
Close this search box.

We are creating some awesome events for you. Kindly bear with us.

Australian Researchers Develop World-First Tech to Suppress Invasive Mice

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have released their first findings on the potential effectiveness of revolutionary gene drive technology to control invasive mice. The team has developed a world-first proof of concept for the technology – called t-CRISPR – using laboratory mice.

Using sophisticated computer modelling performed by co-first author Dr Aysegul Birand, the researchers also found about 250 gene-modified mice could eradicate an island population of 200,000 mice in around 20 years. The results of the study were recently published in the prestigious international journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA.

The lead researcher Professor Paul Thomas from the University of Adelaide, and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) stated that this is the first time that a new genetic tool has been identified to suppress invasive mouse populations by inducing female infertility.

The t-CRISPR approach uses cutting-edge DNA editing technology to make alterations to a female fertility gene. Once the population is saturated with genetic modification, all the females that are generated will be infertile. The team is also developing new versions of t-CRISPR technology that are designed to target specific pest populations to prevent the unwanted spread of the gene drive, the lead researcher said.

Post-graduate student Luke Gierus, a co-first author of the research paper, said t-CRISPR was the first genetic biocontrol tool for invasive mammals. He noted that until now, this technology has been aimed at insects to try and limit the spread of malaria, which causes up to 500,000 deaths worldwide per year.

The use of t-CRISPR technology provides a humane approach to controlling invasive mice without the release of toxins into the environment. The team is also working on strategies to prevent failed eradication due to the emergence of gene drive resistance in the target population.

The research team had worked closely with Australia’s National Science Agency CSIRO, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, the Genetic Biocontrol for Invasive Rodents (GBIRd) consortium and the US Department of Agriculture to consider the next steps towards safely implementing the new technology. Their broader project includes consideration of societal views and attitudes and is integral to our ongoing research relating to this gene drive.

The CSIRO Group Leader for Environmental Mitigation and Resilience stated that this prototype has been designed to be highly specific for mice, but it is also evidence that gene drives can be developed against other invasive pest animals.

He noted that as part of this research, the safety assessments for this technology were conducted at the highest standards. Because this is the first prototype for a vertebrate gene drive, interested stakeholders will include many from the international community. The research was supported by the South Australian government and NSW government.

The South Australian Deputy Premier noted that the promising findings demonstrate how gene drive technology may be a game changer in managing the impacts of mice on Australia’s environment, community, and agricultural sector. She added that the cutting-edge research also highlights the global leadership of the South Australian research sector, in finding solutions to social, environmental and economic challenges.

The South Australian Government is proud to have supported this proof-of-concept, having granted the University of Adelaide AU$1 million through the Research and Innovation Fund.

The country is eager to be at the cutting edge of technology development. OpenGov Asia recently reported that firefighters will be better protected from exposure to dangerous carcinogens than ever before with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) rolling out world-leading decontamination technology and new fire station designs.

PARTNER

Qlik’s vision is a data-literate world, where everyone can use data and analytics to improve decision-making and solve their most challenging problems. A private company, Qlik offers real-time data integration and analytics solutions, powered by Qlik Cloud, to close the gaps between data, insights and action. By transforming data into Active Intelligence, businesses can drive better decisions, improve revenue and profitability, and optimize customer relationships. Qlik serves more than 38,000 active customers in over 100 countries.

PARTNER

CTC Global Singapore, a premier end-to-end IT solutions provider, is a fully owned subsidiary of ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC) and ITOCHU Corporation.

Since 1972, CTC has established itself as one of the country’s top IT solutions providers. With 50 years of experience, headed by an experienced management team and staffed by over 200 qualified IT professionals, we support organizations with integrated IT solutions expertise in Autonomous IT, Cyber Security, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Cloud Infrastructure, Workplace Modernization and Professional Services.

Well-known for our strengths in system integration and consultation, CTC Global proves to be the preferred IT outsourcing destination for organizations all over Singapore today.

PARTNER

Planview has one mission: to build the future of connected work. Our solutions enable organizations to connect the business from ideas to impact, empowering companies to accelerate the achievement of what matters most. Planview’s full spectrum of Portfolio Management and Work Management solutions creates an organizational focus on the strategic outcomes that matter and empowers teams to deliver their best work, no matter how they work. The comprehensive Planview platform and enterprise success model enables customers to deliver innovative, competitive products, services, and customer experiences. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with locations around the world, Planview has more than 1,300 employees supporting 4,500 customers and 2.6 million users worldwide. For more information, visit www.planview.com.

SUPPORTING ORGANISATION

SIRIM is a premier industrial research and technology organisation in Malaysia, wholly-owned by the Minister​ of Finance Incorporated. With over forty years of experience and expertise, SIRIM is mandated as the machinery for research and technology development, and the national champion of quality. SIRIM has always played a major role in the development of the country’s private sector. By tapping into our expertise and knowledge base, we focus on developing new technologies and improvements in the manufacturing, technology and services sectors. We nurture Small Medium Enterprises (SME) growth with solutions for technology penetration and upgrading, making it an ideal technology partner for SMEs.

PARTNER

HashiCorp provides infrastructure automation software for multi-cloud environments, enabling enterprises to unlock a common cloud operating model to provision, secure, connect, and run any application on any infrastructure. HashiCorp tools allow organizations to deliver applications faster by helping enterprises transition from manual processes and ITIL practices to self-service automation and DevOps practices. 

PARTNER

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 3,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.