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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."

5 of 140 comments (clear)

  1. Frickin' Lasers. by nametaken · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Well sure, this is clever and all... but I still prefer the shock-and-awe approach to mosquito control:

    http://www.ted.com/talks/nathan_myhrvold_could_this_laser_zap_malaria.html

    You can just f-fwd to the 12m mark for the craziness.

  2. Re:How will they compete? by Pav · · Score: 3, Interesting

    If this is the same project as in Australia there is no DNA modification. Instead infected mosquitos are infected with a bacteria called Wolbachia .

  3. Need a GM to alter FEMALE mosquito's lifespan by Nyetworker · · Score: 4, Interesting

    What they really need is a genetic modification that leaves the male mosquitos essentially unaltered, but causes the females to have a shortened lifespan, ideally unable to reach sexual maturity. GM males would continue to compete with normal males for surviving females; each successful mating by a GM male would produce a new generation of GM males to continue the process, but all females of that generation would die before ever having a chance to bite a human or breed.

  4. sterile may be better by swell · · Score: 3, Interesting

    In California we release many thousands of sterile male Medflies at the first sign of an infestation. This has been remarkably successful in protecting valuable crops. The dollar value of these crops is well known. What is the dollar value of human lives and health? If that were clearly understood, perhaps more effort would go into eradication of dengue and malaria.

    --
    ...omphaloskepsis often...
  5. crystal ball by buddyglass · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I foresee lots of starving birds and bats.