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Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

Disease resistance successfully spread from modified to wild mosquitoes. Using genetically modified mosquitoes to reduce or prevent the spread of disease is a rapidly expanding field of investigation. One challenge is ensuring that GM mosquitoes can mate with their wild counterparts so the desired modification is spread in the wild population. Investigators have engineered mosquitoes with an altered microbiota that suppresses human malaria-causing parasites. These GM mosquitoes preferred to mate with wild mosquitoes and passed the desired protection to offspring. Source 9y.

Mosquitoes Modified Genetically

Hmm, this could be tricky. For the altered gene to survive in the long run, it would need to be paired with something likely to be passed on more than other traits.

Frankly, I was more enthusiastic about efforts to bring in predators to eat the buggers.

Edited: daishain on 30th Sep, 2017 - 10:36pm

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes UFO & Writing Art Education Sciences

Yes, mosquitoes are one of the vectors we are taught about in the military. Other nations' military use mosquitoes to vector natural or man made diseases to weaken armies. This is biological warfare at its most brutal. We can certainly use mosquitoes to vector good effects for the benefit of humanity. But here's the rub, we don't know what we don't know and these beneficial effects may bite us in the ass. If you have ever watched the movie I Am Legend I can see something like that happening, where we develop something we think is good and it ends up nearly destroying us.

Mosquitoes Modified Genetically

When you start to mess with the genetic make-up of any species you have the potential to do a lot more harm than good. What will this lead to over time? Will we now get a more powerful disease spread by these same GM mosquitoes? One that may be more resistant to our medicines?

Mosquitoes Modified Genetically

KN,

Yes, exactly. You are all over it. That is my fear. We mess with things that we don't understand, or at least don't understand the long-term ramifications. This could easily turn around and bite us when these mosquitos start biting us.

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

Genetic changes help mosquitoes survive pesticide attacks. The fascinating array of genetic changes that confer pesticide resistance in Anopheles mosquitoes has been reviewed. Findings highlight the interplay between human interventions, mosquito evolution, and disease outcomes, and will help scientists develop new strategies to overcome pesticide resistance. Genetic changes help mosquitoes survive pesticide attacks.

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can sense toxins through their legs. Researchers have identified a completely new mechanism by which mosquitoes that carry malaria are becoming resistant to insecticide. Source 2p.