By removing a gene to stunt cane toads at their tadpole stage, scientists hope they may have found a way to make the invader kill its own species.

In short:

Scientists have gene-edited a cane toad egg to prevent a hatchling growing past the tadpole stage.

The gene knockout technique could be scaled up and potentially used to manage the invasive species.

What’s next?

Field trials are expected in Western Australia later this year after the ecological risks are assessed.