Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Latest Breaking News
In reply to the discussion: 750 million genetically engineered mosquitoes approved for release in Florida Keys [View all]Warpy
(111,255 posts)36. This has been in debelopment for many years
I confess I'm a bit nervous about this for inland areas. Mosquito larvae are an important part of the food chain, and a sharp depletion of numbers would destroy fresh water fish stocks and likely other animals as well.
As for the Keys, this is most likely the safest place for this experiment, also the most appropriate. Dengue is moving north and the multiple strains have made vaccine development extremely challenging. I know one multivalent vaccine has been in large scale trials in Mexico, but I haven't heard the outcome.
I have a particular grudge against A. aegypti, bastards are active all day long and they love me. One of the reasons I moved to the desert was to get away from them.
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
49 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
RecommendedHighlight replies with 5 or more recommendations
750 million genetically engineered mosquitoes approved for release in Florida Keys [View all]
BadGimp
Aug 2020
OP
From what I understand is that the modification is that it makes the male mosquito sterile
mitch96
Aug 2020
#22
Ahh the wonders of science. I believe the females are the only ones that suck blood so
mitch96
Aug 2020
#48
Okay, okay. Kudzu and lovebugs did not work out so well, but we have got it this time!
Doug.Goodall
Aug 2020
#9
Ok Kudzu is bad in the US south. In japan it's arrowroot, a thickening agent. If you go to
mitch96
Aug 2020
#34
Lord, I've pulled screw worms out of Animals! Horrible suffering for the animal!
GulfCoast66
Aug 2020
#31