https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/103VG940PTF

Special issue
Insect Genomics (2026)Last update 11 August 2025Genetic biocontrol is an emerging form of biological control in which genetic variants or genetically modified forms of a target species act as the agents of suppression or modification. These strategies harness modern molecular tools to reduce or eliminate populations of harmful organisms, or to alter their capacity to transmit pathogens. For example, genetic biocontrol approaches targeting insects and arthropods can: 1. Enhance agricultural productivity and food security by mitigating crop losses caused by pests. 2. Reduce risks to public and veterinary health by limiting the spread of vector-borne diseases. 3. Promote biodiversity conservation by alleviating pressure from invasive species. The recent convergence of robust transgenic technologies, RNA-guided DNA endonucleases (e.g., CRISPR-Cas systems), and synthetic biology innovations has rapidly transformed genetic biocontrol from a niche discipline into a mainstream research frontier. Once largely theoretical, the field now commands widespread attention, with experimental systems demonstrating efficacy across agricultural, public health, and ecological contexts. This section will focus on the concepts, strategies, and challenges of implementing genetic biocontrol in the field, while broadening the scope to include: ● Population genetics and evolutionary dynamics that shape long-term efficacy. ● Mathematical and computational modeling to forecast ecological outcomes. ● Field studies and trial design that bridge laboratory success to real-world deployment. ● Social, ethical, and regulatory considerations that influence adoption and governance. By bringing together advances across these domains, the section aims to showcase the latest developments in genetic biocontrol research, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and highlight opportunities to adapt these technologies for broader applications in agriculture, public health, and environmental sustainability.

Guest Editors:

• Yoosook Lee
• Omar Akbari

Bryan (CEO of Agragene) presents on pgSIT from 26min -on. 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/mosquito-disease-control-parasite-gene 

https://newatlas.com/science/engineered-bacteria-mosquito-repellent/ 

Episode 78: Introducing ELSIhttps://blubrry.com/voices_from_darpa/132452728/episode-78-introducing-elsi/ 
April 30, 2024As a global leader in innovation, DARPA starts an average of 50 new programs each year. These programs span a variety of technical disciplines to develop breakthrough technologies for national security, all of which have the potential to raise ethical, legal, and societal implication – or, ELSI – considerations.


Taking time to consider ELSI’s role in a program can contribute to the responsible development of emerging technologies by guiding innovation, maximizing the potential application space, and facilitating dialogue with future end-users, and the public, to ensure diverse perspectives and implications are considered. It can improve research by fostering conversations that identify unknowns, anticipate consequences, and make design decisions to maximize benefits and opportunities and minimize risks and harms.


In this episode of Voices from DARPA, we’ll hear from DARPA Director, Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, to explain the agency's perspective on those implications, as well as Dr. Bart Russell, deputy director of the Defense Sciences Office, on what it would mean to incorporate ELSI across the agency more formally. Finally, Dr. Rebecca Crootof, DARPA’s inaugural ELSI Visiting Scholar, will discuss her journey to the agency and her approach to developing a process to ensure that ELSI can inform — and even improve —DARPA programs.


That sounds like a lot of responsibility, influence, and potential impact – for some, maybe, too good to be true?


Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications of Emerging Technologies at DARPA
 
DARPA currently is seeking applicants for the 2025 ELSI Visiting Scholar. The deadline to apply is June 3, 2024.


Origin of the term ELSI: Three decades of ethical, legal, and social implications research: Looking back to chart a path forward


The piece references a class from Dr. Oona A. Hathaway

What To Know For Mosquito Awareness Week 2024

LISTEN • 19:28
This week is California’s Mosquito Awareness Week, a fitting time considering that California is now starting to move into the spring. With that transition from rainy to sunny, those puddles of loose water you’ll find around your home become a breeding ground for mosquitoes…literally. So to avoid the chance of those pesky bug bites, or even contracting a virus, it’s best to keep places dry and prepare through other means. So what are the best ways to protect yourself? And in what ways are advancements in science helping fight that battle?
Joining us today are Susanne Kluh, General Manager for the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, and Omar Akbari, professor of cell and developmental biology at UC San Diego.

https://laist.com/shows/airtalk/google-to-limit-access-to-ca-news-sites