Summer science: Two stories about genetics

Two stories about genetics produced by students at the University of Otago's Department of Science Communication. Amanda Konyn investigates whether gene editing has a role in future pest control, while Richard Marks explores why the "eat less, move more" approach to weight loss isn't really working.

Each year, science communication students at the University of Otago's Department of Science Communication are tasked with producing a podcast on a controversial science topic. In this episode, we hear two of those stories - on weight loss and gene editing - from Amanda Konyn and Richard Marks.

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Is there a future for gene editing in pest control?

In 2016, the then-government announced the "moonshot" goal to make New Zealand Predator Free by 2050. It's an ambitious project that aims to remove three of the biggest threats to New Zealand's native flora and fauna: rats, stoats, and possums.

However, current pest control methods are not likely to be enough to get us there. We need to develop new technologies in order to eradicate pests from Aotearoa. The technologies being considered includes types of genertic engineering (GE): gene editing and gene drives. But, given New Zealand's GE-free stance, is there a path forward for this kind of technology? And if so, who gets to decide whether it's appropriate to use?

To understand how gene editing might be able to help in the war against pests, science communication student Amanda Konyn speaks to Anna Clark, a PhD candidate and geneticist at the University of Otago. While conventional methods of pest control can remove up to 90% of pests from an area, the remaining 10% are particularly problematic to eradicate. As Anna puts it, "We just can't seem to get rid of them." It's this 10% that could be targeted by genetic pest control.

But even if rigorous testing and research shows that gene drives would be safe and effective for pest control, we may not roll out the tech beyond the lab walls. While scientists may champion the technology, ultimately, the decision to use gene editing (or not) will rest with the public and with mana whenua. Amanda chats to biodiversity and pest control expert Tame Malcolm (Te arawa: Ngāti Tarāwhai, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Ngararanui, Ngāti Whakaue) about possible te ao Māori views on gene editing, and, why it's vital for Māori to be consulted.

Thanks to Anna Clark and Tame Malcolm. Produced by University of Otago Department of Science Communication student Amanda Konyn. Music by Blue Dot Sessions (CC BY-NC 4.0).

To learn more:…

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details