Biting Back: How CRISPR-Edited Mice Could Stop the Lyme Disease Plague
Scientists plan to release thousands of CRISPR-edited, Lyme-immune mice on Nantucket, pending regulatory and community approval. The goal is to disrupt the Lyme disease cycle by making white-footed mice resistant, reducing infected ticks. About 15% of Nantucket residents have contracted Lyme, one of the nation’s highest rates. Residents will vote on the proposal amid ethical and ecological concerns.