September 2020 Cover Image

About the Cover

Gene drive flies (labelled D) are trying to invade a population of wild-type flies (non-fluorescent eyes) but brake flies (labelled B) are protecting them. Gene drive is a new technology using genetically-modified organisms to spread a desired trait through wild populations. In case of unanticipated damages, it has been proposed to stop gene drives by releasing brake individuals. The fly species represented here, Drosophila suzukii, is a pest of soft fruit and is one of the main potential targets of gene drive technology. Image: Rode et al., 3403–3415. Illustration: Nathalie Vessillier.