Now Reading
New York Times Magazine Explores Lab’s Work With Gene Drives
New York Times Magazine Explores Lab’s Work With Gene Drives
Published 03-27-20
Submitted by CRB
CRB-designed facility supports work to remap mosquito genes in fight against infectious disease
The highly complex and scientific battle to contain, treat and one day cure mosquito-borne disease is being waged on groundbreaking fronts. One of them is at a laboratory at the University of California, San Diego, where scientists are working obsessively to re-map arthropod genetics and, ultimately, flip the script on infectious illnesses.
The laboratory’s research was recently featured in a New York Times Magazine profile of scientists exploring gene drives, a form of genetic engineering that holds the promise of changing mosquito genes and propagating those changes across the insect species’ population to make them malaria-proof as a cheaper, safer and more effective solution to infectious diseases.
The university retained CRB for lab planning and engineering design services for the new Arthropod Containment Level 2 lab and the future build-out of an Arthropod Containment Level 3 lab. The facility supports two insect rearing rooms, a larval rearing room, compressed-gas storage area, access-controlled air locks and standard microscopy lab workroom for research and education.
Safety and arthropod containment were the top priorities: Stainless-steel mesh screens on all grilles and pipes in the controlled environmental room provide negative pressure cascade and air curtains while fully sealing the chambers, doors and any additional penetrations.
The lab’s critical functions require advanced precautions to ensure uninterrupted service. All mechanical equipment was constructed of stainless steel to limit corrosion, and each space includes a dedicated stainless-steel air-handling unit separate from the house system and ultrasonic humidifiers instead of a steam generation system.
Additional steps ensure continuity of operations and manage the lab’s sensitive contents. Standby generator power provides backup to the controlled environment rooms and various other devices, and sealed light fixtures and conduits are used in the lab’s anteroom and reception areas to prevent mosquitoes from escaping.
CRB
CRB
CRB is a leading global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our innovative ONEsolution™ service provides successful integrated project delivery for clients demanding high-quality solutions -- on time and on budget. Across 21 offices in North America and Europe, the company's nearly 1,800 employees provide world-class, technically preeminent solutions that drive success and positive change for clients and communities. See our work at crbgroup.com, and connect with us on social media here.
More from CRB
