In a groundbreaking new study, researchers have discovered a way to make invasive species less harmful by introducing a genetic mutation that makes them poisonous. This technique, which is being termed ‘gene poisoning’, is a promising new tool for controlling invasive species that are wreaking havoc on natural ecosystems.

The study, which was published in the journal Nature, was conducted by a team of scientists at the University of California, Berkeley. They used a gene-editing technique to insert a mutation into the DNA of an invasive species of water flea. This mutation caused the flea to produce a toxin that made it unpalatable to predators, which reduced its ability to spread and reproduce.

The researchers hope that their technique can be applied to other invasive species, helping to reduce their impact on natural ecosystems and protect native species from extinction. This study is a major step forward in the battle against invasive species, and could revolutionize the way we manage them in the future.

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source: Phys.org