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Malaysia Releases Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

Posted by Soulskill on from the look-what-you've-done-gates dept.

Blessed_by_the_Cow writes "Apparently, Malaysian scientists have released 6,000 genetically modified male mosquitoes into the the wild. These bloodsuckers have been altered to have shorter lifespans. The basic idea behind it is to help slow down the spread of Dengue fever by killing off the mosquitoes faster."

7 of 140 comments (clear)

  1. Correction for the Summary by eldavojohn · · Score: 5, Funny

    These bloodsuckers have been altered to have shorter lifespans.

    Actually the modified Aedes aegypti in question are not bloodsuckers. From the AFP article:

    In the first experiment of its kind in Asia, about 6,000 male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were released ...

    Like Homo sapiens, only the females drain the life out of their victims. The male Aedes aegypti only feed on plant juices (but I'm guessing pass the short lifespan trait on more effectively).

    Moderators, ball's in your court.

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    My work here is dung.
    1. Re:Correction for the Summary by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Fortunately, mosquitoes don't have bank accounts.

    2. Re:Correction for the Summary by bhcompy · · Score: 2, Funny

      You believe this chauvinistic propaganda that only female mosquitoes drain the life out of their victims? The scientists are male, too, you know.

    3. Re:Correction for the Summary by StikyPad · · Score: 4, Funny

      you should hope the moderators are male

      Wait, are you saying females are too hot-headed, insecure, and vindictive to acknowledge their succubus-like traits?

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      https://www.eff.org/https-everywhere
    4. Re:Correction for the Summary by kaizokuace · · Score: 4, Funny

      I dunno what to say, I'm busy suckin on plant juice.

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      Balderdash!
  2. Re:How will they compete? by Locke2005 · · Score: 5, Funny

    They were bred for really short life spans and really big penises. Plus, the scientists supplied each one of them with a tiny red Ferrari!

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    I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
  3. The Malaysian remake of Blade Runner by j.+andrew+rogers · · Score: 4, Funny

    We know how this ends, a group of genetically enhanced mosquitos will break into the Malaysian laboratory leaving a trail of bodies while being pursued by Rick "The Flyswatter" Deckard.

    "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe... sweaty white skin on the shoulder of a tourist... I watched bug lights glitter in the darkness at the Tannhauser Gate..."