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Questions and Answers
How many people does the Gates foundation state that diseases carried by mosquitoes kill each year?
How many people does the Gates foundation state that diseases carried by mosquitoes kill each year?
What is the result of Zika infection in unborn children?
What is the result of Zika infection in unborn children?
Why is it not possible to wipe out all mosquito species?
Why is it not possible to wipe out all mosquito species?
Which of the following mosquito species is thought to carry Zika?
Which of the following mosquito species is thought to carry Zika?
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What is the goal of Professor Hilary Ranson's research?
What is the goal of Professor Hilary Ranson's research?
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Study Notes
Mosquitoes as Deadly Creatures
- Mosquitoes are considered the deadliest creatures on the planet, even before the Zika virus outbreak.
- Gene modification technology raises the possibility of eradicating them.
Mosquito Behavior
- Only female mosquitoes bite, as they need blood as nutrients for their offspring.
- When biting, a mosquito probes the skin 20 times with its proboscis to find a blood vessel.
- A salivary tube delivers a protein to prevent blood clotting, allowing the mosquito to suck blood for 90 seconds.
Impact of Mosquitoes on Human Health
- Mosquitoes have likely killed more than half of all humans who have ever lived, mainly due to malaria.
- Today, according to the Gates Foundation, mosquito-borne diseases kill about 725,000 people each year, with 600,000 due to malaria.
- Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than humans themselves, with an annual toll of 475,000 deaths.
Eradicating Mosquitoes
- Discussing the idea of wiping out mosquitoes raises concerns about "editing nature".
- Some scientists, like Professor Hilary Ranson and Professor Steve Lindsay, would not be sentimental about eliminating mosquitoes.
- However, a total extinction of all mosquito species would be impossible and senseless, as many species do not bite humans and are a vital food source in some ecosystems.
Targeted Approach
- Consideration is being given to wiping out only Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which would deal a devastating blow to Zika, dengue fever, and chikungunya.
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Description
Mosquitoes are considered the deadliest creatures on the planet, but with gene modification, their days might be numbered. Is it dangerous to talk about 'editing nature' or should we consider eradicating them for good?
