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.
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Site web : www.targetmalaria.org
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Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-12-05 13:22:00
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How does “Target Malaria: The Game” aim to educate the public about genetic modification?
## Interview with a Target Malaria Representative
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re excited to discuss a fascinating new development in malaria research. Joining us is [Name], a representative from Target Malaria, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting malaria through innovative genetic technologies. Can you tell us more about this new initiative?
**Target Malaria Representative:**
Thank you for welcoming me. Yes, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of “Target Malaria: The Game,” a free educational video game designed to engage people of all ages with the science behind our work.
**Host:** That’s fantastic! Can you tell us more about the game itself?
**Target Malaria Representative:**
Absolutely! It’s a simulation game where players step into the shoes of a laboratory technician working to genetically modify mosquitoes. They’ll complete modules like “Microinjection” and “Transgenic Screening,” learning about key techniques utilized in our research. The game is designed for accessibility,
running smoothly on both high-end gaming PCs and low-spec machines, even those with limited internet connectivity.
**Host:**
That’s incredible! It sounds like a very innovative way to educate the public about complex scientific research. What are your hopes for the game’s impact?
**Target Malaria Representative:**
Our goal with this game is multi-faceted. We want to demystify the science of genetic modification for the public.
We also hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers who might contribute to our fight against malaria.
Furthermore, it serves as a valuable training tool for those working in laboratories studying mosquito modification.
**Host:**
That’s truly inspiring. Where can our viewers find this game?
**Target Malaria Representative:**
The game is completely free to download from our page on
Itch.io: **[https://targetmalaria.itch.io/target-malaria-the-game](https://targetmalaria.itch.io/target-malaria-the-game)**.
We encourage everyone to give it a try and learn more about the innovative approach Target Malaria is taking to combat malaria.
**Host:**
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this exciting news with our viewers. We wish Target Malaria much success in their important work.
