Scientists Engineer New Mosquito Breed to Replace Native Species in Malaria-Prone Areas-

University of Arizona scientists have succeeded in genetically engineering a breed of mosquito that cannot transmit malaria to humans. Researchers were able to alter a single gene in the mosquitoes that prompted 100 percent blockage of the parasite that causes malaria. The development is a huge step forward for scientists who are determined to permanently eliminate malaria, an infectious disease which kills almost one million people annually. University of Arizona scientist, Michael Riehle, explains that while the malaria parasite reproduces inside the mosquito, there is one part of the parasite’s life cycle when it is especially vulnerable. “We’re targeting the malaria parasites as they travel across the midgut,” he explained. “And we chose that because that’s the stage where the fewest number of malaria parasites are present.” The genetic modification that Riehle and his colleagues developed disrupts some essential functions in the mosquito, including its immune response and lifespan. The modified mosquitoes die much sooner than the native ones, which gives them less time to transmit malaria. Most remarkably, however, the genetic modification kills the parasites in the midgut. But Riehle reveals that they aren’t quite sure why. “One of the things we want to know is definitely how this is working. We have some ideas as to how the parasite’s being killed, but we really don’t know at this point. And so future studies are going to figure out what exactly this gene is doing in there to kill the malaria parasite. And that should help us generate an even more effective malaria-proof mosquito.” At present, genetically engineered mosquitoes are not adequately prepared to be released into the wild, as obstacles still remain. Unleashing these mosquitoes into areas where malaria is prevalent will not offer much benefit, lest they are also equipped with a genetic adaption that would enable them to supersede the native breed of mosquitoes. Critics have argued that it would be difficult to ascertain the effects of introducing new genes. In our humble opinion, it is unsafe and irresponsible to take the place of God… creating new species which may, or may not, completely disrupt the cycle of life in areas where they are released. Only time will tell in this case, and in the case of genetically-modified food, if or when such detrimental ramifications will take place.