Biologists are looking at how to use genetic engineering to eradicate species such as mosquitoes that carry parasites causing human diseases. Research in this field has been progressing rapidly, and has most recently seen support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation who pledged USD 75 mn in investment in the project, in an effort to eradicate malaria. Cue the environmentalist backlash, with claims that the impact of gene drives on the environment is outright dangerous — and morally wrong. Members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have passed a motion that would prohibit it from endorsing or supporting research in this field “until a comprehensive assessment of the technology’s effects has been undertaken,” according to the Washington Post. For example, the eradication of mosquitoes could wipe out swallows, who feed on the horrible little creatures. It could also result in a population boom in other species with which it competes for resources. The Economist worries that no matter how carefully the impact is modelled, it will still be unpredictable. Funny how messing with nature has that effect…