California’s first lab-grown mosquitoes may take flight — stirring controversy

California’s first lab-grown mosquitoes may take flight — stirring controversy

2 years ago
Anonymous $jukOC22bR_

https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/03/14/californias-first-genetically-modified-mosquitoes-may-take-flight/

A biotech firm is seeking permission to release genetically modified mosquitoes into the open air of California for the first time later this year, aiming to reduce the expanding populations of invasive mosquitoes and prevent deadly disease.

If approved, the controversial research project – planned for the Tulare County community of Visalia, with potential expansion into Fresno, San Bernardino and Stanislaus counties – will over time introduce 2 million male mosquitoes with a “kill switch” built into their DNA. When they mate with wild insects, their offspring die, causing an eventual collapse of the population.