Mosquito-changing mosquitoes

US scientists claim to have successfully cultivated genetically modified mosquitoes that could prevent the spread of malaria.

Scientists have successfully cultivated genetically modified mosquitoes

According to PNAS magazine, researchers at the University of California used the technology to edit Crispr genes to introduce a malaria-resistant gene into the DNA of Indian mosquitoes Anopheles stephensi . After these transgenic mosquitoes mate with common mosquitoes, they reproduce baby mosquitoes.

There are hundreds of millions of cases of mosquito-borne malaria in the world - (Photo: Reuters).

What is special about these mosquitoes is that they have 100% DNA inheritance and are able to produce antibodies against malaria parasites. The third generation of this mosquito also has this ability. So genetically modified mosquitoes when burning people will not spread malaria parasites to humans.

Researchers say they will test genetically modified other mosquitoes. And this will be a weapon for the medical community to fight malaria. It is estimated that around 3.2 billion people, equivalent to nearly 50% of the global population, are at risk of mosquito bites.

Malaria kills 580,000 people every year, especially in developing countries. In 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there will be 214 million cases of malaria worldwide and 438,000 deaths.

Some international experts are looking for ways to convert genes so mosquitoes become sterile and extinct. However, many people are concerned about the complete elimination of mosquitoes that can lead to unexpected consequences.