LONDON, United Kingdom, December 5, 2024/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Target Malaria, a non-profit research consortium, has launched an educational video game titled “Target Malaria: The Game”. Available for free in French and English on Itch.io, the game invites players to step into the shoes of a laboratory technician specializing in the genetic modification of mosquitoes. This interactive tool provides a hands-on introduction to molecular biology, allowing players of all ages and backgrounds to explore the potential of genetically modified mosquitoes as a promising tool in the fight against malaria.
Created in collaboration with independent developer Michael Marston, “Target Malaria: The Game” runs smoothly on gaming PCs as well as low-end PCs, making it easy to use in low-connectivity environments.
The game has two modules at this point, and each challenge requires speed and accuracy, with players earning points based on accuracy.
- In “Microinjection”players simulate injecting a DNA solution into mosquito embryos.
- In “Transgenic Screening”players sort genetically modified and fluorescent mosquito larvae.
“The game environment simulates the Target Malaria laboratory at Imperial College, giving a realistic insight into the scientific principles and techniques of molecular biology,” says Louise Marston, senior laboratory technician at Imperial College London, who came up with the idea for the game and was the scientific advisor during its development.
“We tested Target Malaria : The Game at science events in the UK earlier this year. It sparked interesting conversations about the scientific discovery process at Target Malaria. We are delighted to make it available to the public,” adds Morgane Danielou, communications director at Target Malaria.
“We hope that gamers, technology enthusiasts and science students will use this unique tool to learn more about malaria and its devastating impact on African communities and economies,” said Michael Marston.
“Target Malaria: The Game” can also be used for training purposes in laboratories working on genetic modification of mosquitoes. With this interactive tool, Target Malaria hopes to further share its technology and make its research accessible to the general public.
As part of its mission, Target Malaria is pioneering cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies, such as gene driving, to complement existing malaria interventions. Stakeholder engagement is at the heart of its work, and the research consortium has developed over the years
As part of its mission, Target Malaria is pioneering cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies, such as gene driving, to complement existing malaria interventions. Stakeholder engagement is at the heart of its work, and the research consortium has developed a series of creative science communication tools over the years. These tools include Mozzie Drive, a card game illustrating gene drive technology; “Swarm,” a sonification developed with British composer Jamie Perera; and interactive theater performances in Burkina Faso that explain the objective and phases of the project.
Notes to editors: How to download “Target Malaria: The Game”
Download the game from the Target Malaria page on Itch.io: https://targetmalaria.itch.io/target-malaria-the-game
Open the downloaded “TargetMalariaTheGameInstaller” file and run it.
A pop-up window, The Game Setup Wizard, will appear on your screen. Accept the license agreement and click Next (multiple times). If you want to create a shortcut on your desktop, check the corresponding box before clicking “Finish”.
The game will launch automatically once installation is complete. Select the language and play!
Distributed by African Media Agency pour Target Malaria.
About Target Malaria:
Target Malaria is a non-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission. Our vision is to contribute to a world without malaria. We strive for excellence in all areas of our work, creating a path for responsible research and development of genetic technologies, such as gene driving.
Target Malaria receives core funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Open Philanthropy. The lead funding body is Imperial College London, with partners in Africa, Europe and North America.
Target Malaria receives core funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Open Philanthropy. The lead funding body is Imperial College London, with partners in Africa, Europe and North America.
Contact presse
For more information on Target Malaria:
Email: [email protected]
Site web : www.targetmalaria.org
Follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn et YouTube
Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-12-05 13:22:00
#Target #Malaria #launches #free #video #game #engineering #genetically #modified #mosquitoes #fight #malaria #
People Also Ask questions:
## Interview with Louise Marston on Target Malaria: The Game
**(Host)**: Welcome back to the show! Today we are joined by Louise Marston, senior laboratory technician at Imperial College London and the scientific advisor for “Target Malaria: The Game”, a new educational video game launched by the Target Malaria consortium. Louise, welcome to the show!
**(Louise Marston):** Thanks for having me!
**(Host):** Your new game aims to educate the public about a serious problem – malaria. Can you tell us more about Target Malaria’s mission?
**(Louise Marston):** Absolutely. Target Malaria is a non-profit organization working on developing new genetic technologies, like gene drive, to modify mosquitoes and help reduce the spread of malaria. This disease still affects millions of people, mainly in Africa, so our ultimate goal is to contribute to a world without malaria.
**(Host):** The game itself is free and accessible on Itch.io, and allows players to step into the shoes of a lab technician focused on genetically modifying mosquitoes.
**(Louise Marston):** Exactly. We wanted “Target Malaria: The Game” to be a fun and impactful way to learn about our work. The game lets you simulate techniques like injecting DNA into mosquito embryos, and sorting genetically modified mosquito larvae. It’s surprisingly engaging!
**(Host):** That’s fascinating! And it seems to me that this is more than just a learning tool.
**(Louise Marston):** Yes, definitely. “Target Malaria: The Game’
is designed to spark conversation about genetic technologies and their potential in tackling global health challenges like malaria. We want to build understanding and trust around science and innovation. Plus, it can be used in laboratories working on such research for training purposes.
**(Host):** You mentioned before that the game works on low-connectivity PCs, making it accessible even in areas most affected by malaria.
**(Louise Marston):** Presisely. We believe everyone should have access to information and scientific knowledge, regardless of their location or resources.
**(Host):** Louise Thank you so much for joining us today and shedding light on this innovative project. I’m sure this game will be a valuable resource for opening minds and raising awareness about the fight against malaria.
**(Louise Marston):** Thank you for having me!
**(Host):** For more information on Target Malaria and to download the free game, please visit the link provided in the show notes.
