Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Released into the Wild
Katie Cordrey — January 30, 2011 — Eco
References: coffetoday & popsci
Malaysia has released 6,000 genetically modified mosquitoes into the wild. The experimental release is an effort to reduce the spread of dengue fever -- a disease carried by mosquitoes.
The experimental genetically modified mosquitoes are all males whose offspring will die without mating. Scientists hope that the die-off will help to thin the dengue-carrying mosquito population. No one knows the long-term effects of genetically modified mosquitoes on the ecosystem. Needless to say, environmental groups are not pleased.
Implications - It shouldn't be very long now before they begin to set up protest groups and buycotts against Malaysia, but how much flack can a country garner for trying to save its population?
We'll find out.
The experimental genetically modified mosquitoes are all males whose offspring will die without mating. Scientists hope that the die-off will help to thin the dengue-carrying mosquito population. No one knows the long-term effects of genetically modified mosquitoes on the ecosystem. Needless to say, environmental groups are not pleased.
Implications - It shouldn't be very long now before they begin to set up protest groups and buycotts against Malaysia, but how much flack can a country garner for trying to save its population?
We'll find out.
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