Genetically-Modified Mosquitos Could Soon Be Released in California

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KQED

News Commentary, News, Politics

4.2 • 727 Ratings

🗓️ 12 April 2022

⏱️ 43 minutes

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Summary

Millions of genetically-modified, non-biting mosquitoes may soon be set loose in California after federal regulators gave the green light to a study aimed at preventing transmission of diseases like Zika and dengue. British biotech firm Oxitech says its technology alters male mosquitos to only produce viable male offspring, leading to population declines as females die off. While it may sound like the plot of a horror movie, the company says the new process is safe and necessary to address the growing global threat of mosquito-borne diseases. But some scientists and other critics say it could create even more virulent mosquitos, among other health and environmental risks. We’ll discuss the plan, which still requires state approval. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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1:03.3	Welcome back to Forum. I'm Alexis Madrigal.
1:06.9	Here in our second segment, we're going to be talking about the plan to release millions of genetically modified mosquitoes here in California, actually at the southern end of the Central Valley, and they're part of a big test, to reduce the prevalence of a new kind of mosquito that's been spreading, new to California,
1:32.5	mosquito that's been spreading northwards and that carries various kinds of diseases.
1:38.9	We're joined this morning by Lisa Krieger, science writer with the San Jose Mercury News.
1:40.1	Thanks for joining us, Lisa.
1:41.5	Good morning, Alexis.
1:48.0	Dana Pearls, Oakland-based Food and Technology Program Manager with Friends of the Earth. Welcome, Dana.
1:50.0	Oh, no, Dana yet. She'll be here soon.
1:54.0	Let's start up with you, Lisa.
1:57.0	Can you tell us just sort of what is the actual current plan for the release of these genetically
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