US scientists say they've bred a genetically modified mosquito that can resist malaria infection. If the lab technique works in the field it could offer a new way of stopping the insects spreading the disease to humans. Professor Anthony James worked on the research.
bbc.co.uk
So far this year, more than 400,000 people have died from malaria
91% of deaths were in Sub-Saharan Africa
(CNN) also reports that Scientists in the U.S. say they've created a new strain of mosquito that could eventually help eradicate malaria.
Researchers at the University of California used a gene editing technique to insert DNA into the germ line of the Anopheles stephensi mosquito -- a leading vector of the disease.
They found the gene stopped the transmission of malaria through 99.5% of their offspring, according to a statement on the university's website. The research was published in the early online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , the statement said.
"This opens up the real promise that this technique can be adapted for eliminating malaria," said Anthony James, Distinguished Professor of molecular biology & biochemistry and microbiology and molecular genetics at UC's Irvine campus.
cnn.com
Malaria is a life threatening infection prevalent in the sub-Saharan Africa and one of the deadliest diseases which kills even more than HIV/AIDS. Huge funds have been committed to find a lasting solution to this menace.
Labels: Anopheles stephensi, DNA, Gene, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Mosquito