Brooklyn Queens Land Trust

A Genetically Modified Mosquito

May 26, 2009

A Genetically Modified Mosquito

The link to find the photograph:

http://www.purpleslinky.com/Trivia/Random/OMG-Baffling-Creatures.292641

Photo credit: PNAS Photo credit: Reuter

This is a genetically modified strain of malaria-resistant mosquito which has been created successfully by a scientist. Undoubtedly, it gives new impetus for controlling the most common and deadly parasitic disease, Malaria (spread by the single-celled parasite called Plasmodium which is passed to humans via the bite of Anopheles mosquito) which makes 300 million people ill, causes 2.7 million deaths and more than 500 million people are infected each year. This epidemic rages furiously particularly in parts of the central and South of America, Asia and Africa. Also, it was reported that children die of malaria every 30 seconds in sub-Saharan African in most cases. The creation of mosquitoes with green fluorescent testicles undoubtedly will help curb the spread of malaria carrying mosquitoes.

This genetic modification of mosquito has a relatively higher survival rate even when not exposed to malaria besides laying more eggs. Scientists hope that by introducing it to the nature, the epidemic of malaria could be reduced as it carries a gene that prevents infection by the malaria parasite. Besides carrying gene that confers resistance to the malaria parasite, it has the gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP) inserted into its transgenic mosquito, making its eyes glow green.

Dr. Rasgon said, "I think it will be 10 to 20 years before transgenic mosquitoes are released into nature. It's very difficult to predict what will happen when we release these things."

"There is quite a lot of research that needs to be done, both in terms of genetics and the ecology of the mosquitoes; and also research to address all the social, ethical and legal issues associated with releasing transgenic organisms into the environment," he added.