In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Max Scott discusses the significant threat posed by screw worms, a parasitic insect that lays eggs in live animals, leading to severe economic and health impacts on livestock. The conversation covers the historical eradication efforts using the sterile insect technique, the current resurgence of screw worms in North America, and the innovative biotechnology approaches being explored to control their populations, including gene drive technology. The episode also addresses the public perception of genetic technologies in agriculture and the importance of continuous monitoring and advocacy for effective pest management.
