The first release of genetically modified mosquitoes in the United States began this week in the Florida Keys the culmination of a decade-long effort by local mosquito control authorities
The Release of 1 Billion Killer GMO Mosquitoes Has Begun
Share
Getting itchy just looking at them. (Photo: Mario Tama, Getty Images)
To sign up for our daily newsletter covering the latest news, features and reviews, head HERE. For a running feed of all our stories, follow us on Twitter HERE. Or you can bookmark the Gizmodo Australia homepage to visit whenever you need a news fix.
Tens of thousands of male mosquitoes are descending on the Florida Keys. But these are no ordinary mosquitoes: They’re genetically modified, and they were planted around the state on purpose. It’s part of a plan to curb disease by releasing 1 billion mosquitoes across two states but it’s giving some folks the heeby jeebies.
TravelAwaits
May.1.2021
Nearly 150,000 mosquitoes will soon begin to be released in batches in parts of the Florida Keys. Don’t worry if you live in or will be traveling to the Keys the mosquitoes won’t bite.
In fact, releasing the mosquitoes will actually cause the mosquito population to decrease. That’s because these genetically modified non-biting male mosquitoes will mate with the local biting female
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, but their female offspring won’t survive, explains Oxitec, an advanced biotechnology company that designed the modified male mosquitoes.
“An important part of Florida Keys Mosquito Control District’s mission is to protect residents in the Florida Keys from the disease-transmitting mosquito,
Country s first-ever release of genetically modified mosquitoes begins in Florida Keys koat.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from koat.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.