The releases will reduce the population of the mosquito species that carries the Zika virus.
"Genetically altered male mosquitoes, which don't bite but are expected to mate with females to produce offspring that die before reaching adulthood, were released in the West Bay area of Grand Cayman Island, according to a joint statement from the Cayman Islands Mosquito Research and Control Unit and British biotech firm Oxitec."
"The mosquitoes will be released over nine months in an area known to be a hot spot for the Aedes aegypti species, which are not native to the Cayman Islands and are the main vector for Zika as well as other viruses, including chikingunya and dengue."
http://www.wral.com/genetically-modified-mosquitoes-released-in-cayman-islands/15885969/
Releases of the modified mosquitoes are planned for the Florida Keys.
Some background information:
http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/04/genetically-modified-mosquitoes-zika/479793/
It seems good news, but i worry about that genetic modification would cause another side effect
Agreed, I thought about that too.
It's not possible for it to cause another effect. The mutation just makes the offspring from these mosquitoes sterile. Additionally mosquitoes provide no benefit to the biome 's they reside in. They could largely be completely eradicated and it wouldn't effect other organisms at all.
Very interesting, thanks for the read. I hope this goes well
https://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@steem-samiam/proud-to-be-a-steemer-my-1st-blog-ever
Thanks, me too!
Yeah, this is a really great application of genetic modification technology. The Ades ageypti mosquito is one that harbors the most diseases, and by putting these genetic dead ends into the system it should eradicate a ton of them. Interesting fact, mosquitos are not a prime source of food for any other living thing. They could largely be eradicated to no detriment.
... here's hoping!
Interestingly, thanks.
zika!!! en colombia fue muy popular
Great point @slowwalker. Let's hope that there are no drastic side effects.