Scientists successfully edit genes of dengue fever mosquitoes
Thursday, September 3, 2015 - 07:00
in Biology & Nature
Mosquitoes are a key contributor to the spread of potentially deadly diseases such as dengue and malaria, as they harbor parasites and viruses that are spread when mosquitoes bite humans and animals. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found an effective way to edit the genes of mosquitoes. Shengzhang Dong, postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology of the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, says this new technique opens the door for future research into genetically modifying mosquitoes so they cannot carry and transmit viruses and parasites that are harmful to humans.