Oxitec

Genetic engineering, despite its numerous contributions to our health and welfare, continues to face opposition, and sometimes from unexpected sources. The most recent "boogeymen" are genetically modified mosquitoes, which are a critical innovation for protecting us from some very nasty viral diseases. Dr. Henry Miller explains.
It's no longer a question if genetically modified organisms will be released in the United States – they will. The new questions are: (1) What will they be? and (2) Where will they be released? With USDA approval of a field trial permit application, it looks like the answers are: Diamondback moths in upstate New York. 
A new report by the Dutch government states something we've known all along: Genetically modified mosquitoes are safe to use to combat the spread of viral infections. Although critics may still think that the modification process is scary, they have nothing to worry about. Besides, the Zika virus is much, much scarier.
Florida is in the middle of a major 'not in my backyard' brouhaha at the moment and biotechnology is at the center of the debate.
Insect repellent, window screens, long sleeve shirts. Even by using these methods and more, there's no way to have guaranteed protection from viruses that are spread by mosquitoes. But here's an idea that would put an end to all other methods of mosquito repellents: What if there were no mosquitoes?
Last month we wrote about British biotech firm, Oxitec, aiming to release their genetically engineered mosquitoes in Key Haven, Florida, this spring. The mosquitoes were developed to help fight dengue and chikungunya, which are two viruses spread by the dangerous and difficult-to-control Aedes aegypti mosquito. However, according to an article in today s New York Times, Florida Keys residents are
Dengue and chikungunya are both viruses spread by a species of mosquito known as Aedes aegypti. Dengue sickens 50 million people worldwide and chikungunya infected