<h5>What is genetic engineering?</h5>  <p>Genetic engineering is the method of changing a living thing's genes. Genes are small units that carry information about an organism. They are the building blocks of DNA, which is found in the cells of all living things. Scientists use genetic engineering to combine parts of DNA from different organisms. One method used is to cut and rejoin genes.
First, scientists take DNA from one organism, known as the donor, and take out the desired gene. They then link that gene to the DNA of another organism. As a result, the DNA has traits from both organisms. This new DNA is referred to as “recombinant DNA.” 
Scientists place recombinant DNA inside bacteria. The DNA is reproduced when the bacteria reproduce.
There are several methods for producing a fully grown plant or animal with recombinant DNA. Bacteria carrying the DNA could infect plant cells, or the recombinant DNA could be injected into animal egg cells. The cells then grow into plants or hatch into animals having the characteristics of both original animals or organisms.
There are various uses of genetic engineering. It could be used to make useful medical substances like vaccines. It is also used to create organisms with desirable traits. Recently, mosquitoes have been genetically engineered to kill their own kind.</p> <h5>Oh wow! What has been done?</h5> <figure>
        <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/genetically-engineered-mosquitoes-can-kill-their-own-kind%2F3232123.jpeg?alt=media&token=ea7dc1e7-34c4-44e0-834f-bad14b1276c5" alt="Oh wow! What has been done?" >
        <figcaption>Genetically engineered male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Photo by Oxitec.</figcaption>
      </figure> <p>New research suggests that efforts to kill disease-carrying insects are succeeding. Mosquitoes have been genetically engineered to kill their own kind. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a known carrier of dengue, chikungunya, etc. The species, distinguished by the black and white stripes on its legs, is one of the most dangerous to humans.
In Indaiatuba, Brazil, an effort is underway to kill these mosquitoes before they spread disease. To do so, more Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been created to kill others. The mosquitoes have been created by the British firm “Oxitec.” It has been found that they effectively kill other disease-carrying mosquitoes.</p> <h5>How was this made possible?</h5>  <p>The modified mosquitoes carry a gene that prevents female offspring from surviving. This is significant because only females bite and spread disease. According to a new study, the mosquitoes created by the company were able to reduce the local population of Aedes aegypti by up to 96%.</p>
<p>The modified males mate with the females. The gene present in the modified male mosquitoes prevents the cells of the female offspring from producing the necessary proteins for development. Hence, the females die before they can reach adulthood and begin biting. The male offspring survives. They carry this gene that they can pass on to male offspring.
Scientists checked the local mosquito population before and after the experiment to determine how effective these genetically engineered male mosquitoes are. This research reveals that the mosquito populations were reduced by an average of 88% and in some cases up to 96% (isn’t that exciting?).</p> <h5>What did we learn from this article?</h5>  <p>From this article, we learned how science could be used to better the lives of humans. Using similar genetically engineered mosquitoes, the spread of various diseases can be stopped. This can help the poor nations of the world, where such diseases occur a lot and cause a lot of health issues.
Do you think genetically engineered mosquitoes should be used in India too? Please let us know in the comments section.</p>

Mosquitoes spread a lot of diseases that can be harmful to humans. To fight this, mosquitoes have been genetically engineered to kill their kind. Let’s read to find out more.

Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes Can Kill Their Own Kind

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Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes Can Kill Their Own Kind

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