The Akbari Lab is the latest group of scientists to join the Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research. Based at the University of California - San Diego (UCSD), members of the Akbari Lab are currently researching a range of genetic approaches to help control pests and diseases, such as dengue and malaria.

Gene drive is one of their areas of research, but team members are also investigating other strategies, such as sterile male and other self-limiting approaches, which could suit different situation and needs. Self-limiting approaches could provide useful options to tackle diseases in some contexts, and also offer an important way to implement the “step by step” approach recommended for the development of gene drive organisms.