Australian scientists are developing a novel pest control method using genetically engineered mosquitoes with toxic semen. The 'toxic male technique' aims to breed mosquitoes that express venomous proteins in their semen, killing off females after mating. This method targets female mosquitoes, as only they bite and spread diseases like malaria and dengue fever. While early trials have been successful with fruit flies, further research and safety testing are needed before it can be implemented in mosquitoes.
SYDNEY, Australia — Genetically engineered mosquitoes with toxic semen could be a new weapon against tropical disease, Australian scientists said after trialling the novel pest control method.The 'toxic male technique' aims to breed mosquitoes that express venomous proteins in their semen, killing off females after mating.Female mosquitoes are targeted because only they bite and drink blood, thereby spreading diseases such as malaria and dengue fever .
'We still need to implement it in mosquitoes and conduct rigorous safety testing to ensure there are no risks to humans or other non-target species,' he said.The mosquitoes would need to be genetically modified so they only expressed the toxic semen once they were released into the wild, the researchers said.This could be done through so-called 'conditional expression' techniques, which use chemicals or other biological triggers to turn specific genes on or off at will.
Genetic Engineering Mosquito Control Tropical Diseases Malaria Dengue Fever
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