Millions of mosquitoes have been genetically modified to help cure and prevent Americans from two extremely painful diseases. The diseases originate from the equator and have been a growing threat in North America. The mosquitoes, if approved, will be released in Florida where most cases occur. Although these diseases are extremely rare In the US, they can travel easier thanks to storm winds, cargo ships, and humans carrying the viruses into Florida. Another benefit from these genetically modified bugs is their ability to kill mosquito larvae. The males released mate with females present in the environment and the DNA in the males kill the larvae, causing a drop in the mosquito population. According to the lab in charge of the project, only non-biting males would be released and even if humans were bitten, no genetically modified DNA would enter into the bloodstream. However, the claims have not been supported.
http://http://news.yahoo.com/millions-gmo-insects-could-released-florida-keys-164030029.html
If you were on the board, would you allow for these mosquitoes to be released and why?
Would you feel safe if these bugs were released in your area and you had a chance of being bitten? Would it be worth it?
Replies
Great job once again!!
I'm not sure I would allow this kind of thing. Playing with mother nature is tricky business, but I'm not close-minded about the future of science and technology either. I just think we should probably learn more about the long-term effects of something like this before we try it out on millions of normal people without their consent.
I wouldn't feel very safe at all. I would want to be able to have confidence in the science behind it all first.
I agree that they should be tested first. It would make the people in that area feel safer.
I would feel safe if everything was tested and proved safe beforehand. Yes it would be worth it to be safe from the diseases.
I wouldn't want to have the mosquitoes released because if there was a drop in mosquito population that might drastically change the food chain.
That is true. A change in the food chain could cause big problems for the environment.
I think I would allow the release of the mosquitoes because they repopulate down there like crazy, and soon enough there wouldn't be nearly the population there is today if the statement that larvae is killed is true. I would feel safe and I think it would be worth it. Mosquitoes don't really bother me anyway.
That is a good point. It would be worth it if the mosquito population went down and would cause less of a nuisance.
I would support this if its proven that it works. And I would only feel safe if it's proven that these bugs are safe
I agree. Letting these bugs out when they do nothing but harm would be a bad idea.
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