Millions Of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Set To Be Released

Scientists are set to release hundreds of millions of genetically modified mosquitoes with the hope to control the mosquito population in the United States.

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The scientific testing will take place starting in January 2021 in Key West, Florida.

According to the Miami Herald, the goal of these genetically modified mosquitos is to help control the population of a certain type of mosquito that is known to spread disease.

The trial’s aim is to significantly reduce or eliminate the local population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are known to spread deadly diseases like Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever.

The trial will take place over the next two years and the goal is to reduced or eradicate the mosquito population.

The mosquitos that are being released were altered and will have a special change to their reproductive system where their offspring will not be able to survive.

The mosquito release was supposed to happen in July but was postponed until January because of COVID-19. The testing will last until 2023.