Female mosquitoes refuse to 'fall in love' with the genetically modified male mosquitoes, a failed mosquito extermination project

According to a new study published last week, the 450,000 mosquitoes genetically modified mosquito program in the city of Jacobina (Brazil) has led to the unintended genetic chaos of the mosquito population here. The case is raising concerns about the safety of the experiments when they are not accurately predicted in terms of results.

Using genetically modified mosquitoes with the "early death" characteristic to limit the breeding of mosquito populations

According to scientists, the main purpose of this experiment program is to limit the spread of mosquito-borne pathogens such as yellow fever, dengue fever, Chikungunya and Zika fever in the region. Oxitec biotechnology company came up with the idea to create a genetically modified version of mosquitoes, called OX513A , which is a mixture of three different mosquito strains such as Aedes aegypti, a Cuban mosquito strain and one strain. originated from mexico.

Genetically modified mosquitoes have been introduced into the wild with the aim of limiting the number of mosquitoes before.

The main characteristic of this mosquito breed is its early death. When females of the natural mosquito breed mate with OX513A, the offspring will not survive until adulthood (reproductive age). The OX513A mosquito strain is implanted with a fluorescent protein gene (which helps to glow), allowing it to be easily identified for young offspring born from them. In addition, females who have ever mate with OX513A will also be weak and unable to continue breeding.

Beginning in 2013, for 27 consecutive months, Oxitec has released nearly half a million OX513A male mosquitoes every week into the wild mosquito population in Jacobina. According to initial estimates, the entry of OX513A into the wild will not pose any risks to Jacobina residents.

Failed because female mosquitoes refuse to "have sex" with genetically modified males

In the first 18 months, the results showed optimism as predicted by the researchers. Nearly 60% of the regional mosquitoes carry the unique genome of OX513A and only 3-4% of the offspring can survive to reproductive age. This initial result was described by scientists as a great success.

However, after 18 months, the number of mosquitoes in Jacobina began to recover rapidly, returning to the same level as at the beginning of the experiment.

Notably, in the "mosquito community" now also appears the form of discrimination as in human society. Accordingly, female mosquitoes of native species will be able to identify and avoid mating with genetically engineered males.

There was concern that the genetic diversity of a species would create a stronger species than before.

In addition, new evidence suggests that some of the offspring of OX513A are not weakening as expected. Many of them are apparently well enough to survive into adulthood and reproduction.

Currently, the existing mosquitoes in Jacobina have inherited the genetic characteristics from many different mosquito strains. According to researchers who oppose Oxitec, the genetic diversity of a species will create a stronger species than before. This view is currently being denied by Oxitec.

Oxitec is also facing many allegations from various scientific organizations around the world. Most of the allegations focused on Oxitec conducting field trials without adequate research, causing unintended consequences. Many research centers have demonstrated that releasing genetically modified organisms into the wild can have unpredictable consequences.

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