Genetically modified mosquitoes may be the answer to the deadly disease, malaria, which is sending countries into poverty and killing millions each year. Scientists have been able to achieve this by genetically modifying the mosquitoes so they cannot pass on the infectious disease. Trials have illustrated that the GM mosquitoes can be quickly established in the wild and out bread the present malaria ridden mosquitoes, ultimately disconnecting the link between the insect and humans.
This advancement has been welcomed as it exemplifies that using inexpensive laboratory techniques is more effective than using a myriad of chemical sprays and treatments. In the past ideas surrounding gene modification of mosquitoes have been hampered in fears that it would weaken the insect so much that it would not be able to survive and outnumber the existing population. However while it did weaken them to some extent, making them immune to the parasite which causes malaria meant they were able to survive in the long term better then the insects with the infection. This breakthrough gives an exciting and interesting peek into the genetics scene and provides a promising outlook for the future.
This advancement has been welcomed as it exemplifies that using inexpensive laboratory techniques is more effective than using a myriad of chemical sprays and treatments. In the past ideas surrounding gene modification of mosquitoes have been hampered in fears that it would weaken the insect so much that it would not be able to survive and outnumber the existing population. However while it did weaken them to some extent, making them immune to the parasite which causes malaria meant they were able to survive in the long term better then the insects with the infection. This breakthrough gives an exciting and interesting peek into the genetics scene and provides a promising outlook for the future.
