Should We Get Rid of Mosquitoes With Science?
March 8th, 2010 Posted in Green Living & News
It seems scientists can genetically modify anything these days. Grapples and plumcots are weird enough, but can science really start altering entire species?
Researchers in the UK are experimenting with genetic engineering to control the mosquito problem. But they are met with opposition from conservationists who defend mosquitoes in their natural form.
Read on for both sides of the argument:
- FOR Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
- AGAINST Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
- Final Decision: Who wins?
FOR Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
Besides leaving itchy bite marks on your arms, mosquitoes are also transmitters of dangerous diseases. To protect the population from spreading dengue fever, malaria and other diseases, scientists are experimenting with permanent ways to get rid of mosquitoes.
Researchers at the University of Oxford in England propose genetic engineering that would lead to wingless female mosquitoes. Since females are the ones who bite humans, by grounding them, they could not bite and spread diseases. Without properly functioning wings, females would die quickly without being able to attack their food source.
How to Create Franken-squitoes
This genetic engineering will not create bugs with bolts in their necks, but researchers have found a way to genetically alter the males. Then they mate, the males will pass along genes to their female offspring and leave them incapable of flying.
Scientists hope to find the best natural mosquito repellent with their research.
“The technology is completely species specific, as the released males will mate only with females of the same species,” said Luke Alphey, head researcher on the project. “It’s far more targeted and environmentally friendly than approaches dependent upon the use of chemical spray insecticides, which leave toxic residue.”
The team’s research is targeted at dengue-spreading mosquitoes, but could be adapted for other diseases as well.
Now that the pro-modification side had its say, what do the conservationists think of science that could get rid of such a large quantity of mosquitoes?
AGAINST Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
This side makes no attempt to argue that mosquitoes are fun to be around (that would be a tough soap box to stand on). But they do not support messing with the bugs genes to get rid of mosquitoes.
National Public Radio discussed mosquito benefits on its show, Krulwich on Science. The show’s guest, David Quammen, had this to say:
“Knowing, as we all do, that humans for eons have been moving into forests and plains and shores and river valleys and hills, pushing animals, vegetables and minerals around in their very human way, destroying more and more life forms, and knowing, as we also do, that we are down to precious few places on Earth where there is still a rich diversity of species, have you ever wondered why, even into the 21st century, there are still large tracts of equatorial rainforest that have somehow survived human exploitation?”
And instead of thanking the Academy, Quammen gives female mosquitoes some of the credit.
He claims that mosquitoes deter humans from entering and settling in these beautiful, untouched landscapes. Others on this side are appalled at the idea of genetically modifying living creatures to get rid of mosquitoes.
Final Decision: Who Wins?
With strong feelings on both sides, this debate is tough to call.
Scientists who support the research are concerned with protecting the 100 million or more people that battle with dengue fever each year.
While others warn against using science to disturb carefully balanced ecosystems.
One thing is certain, genetically modified mosquitoes raises strong feelings on both sides.
After reading both sides, do you think we should get rid of mosquitoes with science??
