Scientists create malaria-resistant mutant mosquitoes
- 8 years ago
CALIFORNIA — University of California scientists have recently developed a way to create malaria resistant mosquitoes by genetic modification, which is a significant step toward eliminating malaria in humans.
Affecting half of the world's population, malaria is caused by mosquitoes carrying the Plasmodium parasite. Sub-saharan Africa carries the highest burden of the deadly disease, accounting for 89% of malaria cases and 91% of malaria-related deaths.
Scientists used a genome editing tool called "CRISPR" to alter the Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, a common carrier of malaria. The mosquitoes' DNA is modified by inserting a "resistance" gene, rendering them unable to carry or pass on the disease. When these genetically modified mosquitoes mate, they pass on the same malaria-resistant gene to their offspring. The new gene was inherited by almost 100% of the offspring across three generations in experiements.
Scientists believe that they will be eventually able to naturally spread the edited DNA to almost all mosquitoes in a population within several generations, effectively combating malaria around the world.
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Affecting half of the world's population, malaria is caused by mosquitoes carrying the Plasmodium parasite. Sub-saharan Africa carries the highest burden of the deadly disease, accounting for 89% of malaria cases and 91% of malaria-related deaths.
Scientists used a genome editing tool called "CRISPR" to alter the Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, a common carrier of malaria. The mosquitoes' DNA is modified by inserting a "resistance" gene, rendering them unable to carry or pass on the disease. When these genetically modified mosquitoes mate, they pass on the same malaria-resistant gene to their offspring. The new gene was inherited by almost 100% of the offspring across three generations in experiements.
Scientists believe that they will be eventually able to naturally spread the edited DNA to almost all mosquitoes in a population within several generations, effectively combating malaria around the world.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to TomoNews, where we animate the most entertaining news on the internets. Come here for an animated look at viral headlines, US news, celebrity gossip, salacious scandals, dumb criminals and much more! Subscribe now for daily news animations that will knock your socks off.
Visit our official website for all the latest, uncensored videos: http://us.tomonews.net
Check out our Android app: http://bit.ly/1rddhCj
Check out our iOS app: http://bit.ly/1gO3z1f
Get top stories delivered to your inbox everyday: http://bit.ly/tomo-newsletter
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