GM fungus rapidly kills 99% of malaria mosquitoes, study suggests

[muriel_volestrangler]

A fungus - genetically enhanced to produce spider toxin - can rapidly kill huge numbers of the mosquitoes that spread malaria, a study suggests.

Trials, which took place in Burkina Faso, showed mosquito populations collapsed by 99% within 45 days.
...
A 6,500-sq-ft fake village - complete with plants, huts, water sources and food for the mosquitoes - was set up in Burkina Faso. It was surrounded by a double layer of mosquito netting to prevent anything escaping.
...
Tests also showed the fungus was specific to these mosquitoes and did not affect other insects such as bees.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48464510

My big worry would be that there are some other invertebrates it can affect - very hard to test them all. And the mosquitoes may develop resistance - if other insects have that, then you'd think the genetic potential for it could be in the mosquitoes.

[TexasTowelie]

1. Another thought is what would happen moving up the food chain?

Eradication of these mosquitoes could mean that the food supply for their predators is affected and could have other side effects to the point that humans take notice. And as terrible as malaria is, we might be trading for a bigger problem.

[pansypoo53219]

2. my thoughts. unintended consequence. AND WE DO NOT NEED MORE HUMANS.s

yeah. i am on the mosquitoes side.