Words by Tess Becker
Mosquitoes are irritating, buzzing around and biting us. But they’re also dangerous, especially in developing nations.
Mosquitoes are one of the primary carriers of the disease, malaria, which kills over 600,000 people a year. As a result, malaria care efforts are centered around mosquitoes, even considering killing them off. But scientists may have come up with a more effective solution.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have edited the genes of mosquitoes so that they are immune to the parasites that cause malaria.
While eradicating mosquitoes would essentially solve the problem it would have untold effects on the ecosystem they inhabit. But letting them live while preventing the spread of the disease would be a win-win.
If the mosquitoes with altered genes are released, they should spread through the population, wiping out malaria from the insect and preventing it from spreading to humans.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Life You Can Save. They work to help end malaria around the world. Consider donating.
TB A!ert. They are working towards a future without tuberculosis. Support them here.
Doctors Without Borders. Medical workers supporting people through crises. Find out more.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
