Genetically modified mosquitoes to release in Panama to halt dengue virus
- 9 years ago
Originally published on January 15, 2014
Thousands of genetically modified mosquitoes will be released in Panama in an attempt to stop the spread of the dengue virus.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary vector of dengue. For the project, scientists will genetically alter male mosquitos by putting a sterility gene into the mosquitoes' DNA. The genetically modified male mosquitoes are then released to mate with wild female mosquitoes, which will lay eggs that contain sterility gene. The eggs will hatch into larvae that die before developing into pupae.
The authorities hope that releasing enough of the genetically modified male mosquitoes into the wild will eventually cause the overall mosquito population to decline.
Dengue virus has recently spread to Russia, Portugal and the United States.
Dengue fever is a severe, flulike illness. Symptoms include a high fever accompanied by severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, swollen glands and rashes and vomiting.
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Thousands of genetically modified mosquitoes will be released in Panama in an attempt to stop the spread of the dengue virus.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary vector of dengue. For the project, scientists will genetically alter male mosquitos by putting a sterility gene into the mosquitoes' DNA. The genetically modified male mosquitoes are then released to mate with wild female mosquitoes, which will lay eggs that contain sterility gene. The eggs will hatch into larvae that die before developing into pupae.
The authorities hope that releasing enough of the genetically modified male mosquitoes into the wild will eventually cause the overall mosquito population to decline.
Dengue virus has recently spread to Russia, Portugal and the United States.
Dengue fever is a severe, flulike illness. Symptoms include a high fever accompanied by severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, swollen glands and rashes and vomiting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to TomoNews, where we animate the most entertaining news on the internets. Come here for an animated look at viral headlines, US news, celebrity gossip, salacious scandals, dumb criminals and much more! Subscribe now for daily news animations that will knock your socks off.
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For news that's fun and never boring, visit our channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/TomoNewsUS
Subscribe to stay updated on all the top stories:
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Stay connected with us here:
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Twitter @tomonewsus http://www.twitter.com/TomoNewsUS
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