Name: Crystal
Period: D
Topic: Science/ Technology
Current Event Posting #2
Title: Designer insect 'a big step' vs. disease fatal to millions
Writer: Tom Beal
Publication Name: Arizona Daily Star
Date of Publication: 16 July 2010
Length: 1,030 words
Main Ideas:
Malaria is still a major problem in Africa, killing 1 million people annually, and currently the most effective way to prevent it spreading is reducing mosquito-human contact, mainly with nets and vaccinations. However, the University of Arizona is taking a new approach. They are producing a malaria-free mosquito. The new mosquito will be resistant to parasites and have a shorter lifespan to reduce spread of parasites. This “super mosquito” will be produced in a decade. The government will decide if the benefits of releasing this genetically altered mosquito outweigh the risks. It is planned to replace wild mosquito to eradicate the spread of malaria.
Conclusion:
It is possible that malaria will not plague Africa in ten years. However, if the “super mosquito” is released, it may have some unexpected affects on the environment.
I agree that the "super mosquito" might cause unexpected effects on Africa's environment that may or may not be more harmful than malaria. It seems as though this "super mosquito" is simply an artificial product, which would have no place in the habit. Therefore it could disrupt the food chain. If an animal eats this mosquito, will it become sick and its species die off? I also don't understand how releasing the "super mosquito" will obliterate the wild mosquito that spreads malaria.
ReplyDeleteThe University of Arizona really had a good idea. I think that it's really interesting, and that they should go for it. Besides from more frequent mosquito bites, people won't see many side effects, since outweighing malaria is a huge cause.
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