On Nantucket, Massachusetts, a team of scientists led by MIT's Kevin Esvelt is pioneering a genetic engineering project aimed at combating Lyme disease, primarily transmitted by wild white-footed mice. Lyme disease has become a significant health issue, affecting about 15% of the island's population. The innovative approach involves modifying the genetic makeup of these mice to make them immune to the Lyme bacteria, thereby interrupting the transmission cycle without eliminating the mouse population. Utilizing CRISPR technology, researchers inject an antibody gene into mouse embryos, ensuring that immunity is passed on to future generations. The project, dubbed 'Mice Against Ticks,' seeks to engage the local community in discussions about the ecological implications of such interventions. If approved by regulatory bodies, the plan includes small-scale field trials on a private island to assess ecological impacts before broader implementation on Nantucket. This groundbreaking method could provide a sustainable solution to reducing Lyme disease cases while maintaining ecological balance.