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Thread: Plan to release genetically modified mosquitoes in Florida gets go-ahead

  1. #1

    Plan to release genetically modified mosquitoes in Florida gets go-ahead

    A plan to release a horde of 750 million genetically modified mosquitoes in Florida and Texas is a step closer to fruition after a state regulator approved the idea, over the objections of many environmentalists.

    Oxitec, a British-based biotechnology company, has targeted the US as a test site for a special version of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The mosquitoes contain a protein that, when passed down to female offspring, will kill them and, it is hoped, prevent them from biting people and spreading diseases such as dengue fever and Zika.

    On Tuesday, it was announced that the Florida department of agriculture and consumer services has given the green light to a plan to release the millions of mosquitoes in the Florida Keys, the string of picturesque islands that extend from the southern tip of the state, beginning this summer.

    Last month, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also approved the Florida plan, as well as a further trial next year that will take place in Harris county in Texas, which includes Houston.

    Proponents of the trial say that as only modified male mosquitoes, which do not bite people, will be released, there will be no danger to the public.

    But the plan has caused uproar among conservation groups, which have said they intend to sue the EPA for allegedly failing to ascertain the environmental impact of the scheme. Scientists have also expressed concerns about the oversight of the trial...

    Plan to release genetically modified mosquitoes in Florida gets go-ahead | Insects | The Guardian

  2. #2
    Administrator fuego's Avatar
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    Well that is comforting. What could possibly go wrong?

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    Ezekiel 33 (06-23-2020)

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    What is the use of doing this since the males will not be biting? Is there some other use for these "mosquitoes" to be released or for doing this to other bugs and flying insects that would be able to spread lets say a similar covid type bug bite.......... just thinking how watching Lost In Space used to scare us when we were little........ and now, all the scary things going on...

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    Administrator fuego's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lindaeverchanging View Post
    What is the use of doing this since the males will not be biting?
    "...The mosquitoes contain a protein that, when passed down to female offspring, will kill them..." So they can pass it to the females to kill them who do bite.

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    Quote Originally Posted by fuego View Post
    "...The mosquitoes contain a protein that, when passed down to female offspring, will kill them..." So they can pass it to the females to kill them who do bite.
    I'm a little sketchy on the wording of the article but as such, male mosquitoes don't bite anyway. Did I miss something or too simple to miss the obvious? I'm guessing not everyone knew that.

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    Ezekiel 33 (06-23-2020)

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    Administrator fuego's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by FireBrand View Post
    I'm a little sketchy on the wording of the article but as such, male mosquitoes don't bite anyway. Did I miss something or too simple to miss the obvious? I'm guessing not everyone knew that.
    Yeah, they mention that in the article. I didn't know male mosquitos didn't bite.

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  11. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by krystian View Post

    Proponents of the trial say that as only modified male mosquitoes, which do not bite people, will be released, there will be no danger to the public.
    isn't this what they always say right before it hits the fan?

  12. #8
    "The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray...." seems apt here.

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    Senior Member Tehilah Ba'Aretz's Avatar
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    Okay, so now we know the origin of the murder hornets.

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