Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Pestilence

Reuters - Genes, bugs and radiation: WHO backs new weapons in Zika fight
Reuters reports: "Countries battling the Zika virus should consider new ways to curb disease-carrying mosquitoes, including testing the release of genetically modified insects and bacteria that stop their eggs hatching, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday. [...] The WHO also highlighted the potential of releasing sterile irradiated male mosquitoes, a technique that has been developed at the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."

Comment: I'm glad they are taking the threat seriously and considering a range of strategies to combat the virus, as long as they are honest about the fact that genetic modifications may have unintended consequences. 

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