"Brazil's Battle Against Dengue: Genetically Modified Mosquitoes and Bacteria-Infected Solutions"
TL;DR
Brazil is facing a record-high number of dengue fever cases, prompting scientists to release genetically modified mosquitoes to combat the disease. The mosquitoes, developed by biotech company Oxitec, carry a gene that kills female offspring before they reach adulthood, reducing the spread of the virus. This approach is being tested in various Brazilian cities, including those under states of emergency. Other strategies, such as using Wolbachia bacteria, are also being explored to control the disease.
Topics:healthhealth-environment#brazil#dengue-fever#genetically-modified-mosquitoes#health-environment#oxitec#public-health-emergency
- Scientists release genetically modified mosquitoes to fight dengue in Brazil Livescience.com
- With a million cases of dengue so far this year, Brazil is in a state of emergency NPR
- Brazil's record dengue surge: why a vaccine campaign is unlikely to stop it Nature.com
- In Rio, rife with dengue, bacteria-infected mosquitoes are making a difference The Associated Press
- Rio uses Wolbachia bacteria method to battle dengue virus Fast Company
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Livescience.com