Hadyn Parry: Re-engineering mosquitos to fight disease

The video discusses the significant threat mosquitoes pose, particularly through diseases like malaria and dengue fever. It highlights the rapid spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the challenges in controlling mosquito populations using traditional methods. The video introduces a novel genetic approach developed by Oxitec to control mosquito populations by releasing genetically modified sterile males. This method has shown promising results in reducing mosquito populations in field trials. The video concludes with the potential for scaling this technology and its application in agriculture and other areas.

Which animal is considered the most dangerous to humans due to the diseases it spreads?

• Shark

• Mosquito

• Tiger

• Lion

What is the nickname given to dengue fever due to its severe symptoms?

• Bone-crushing fever

• Breakbone fever

• Muscle fever

• Joint fever

How many strains of the dengue virus exist, making it difficult to develop immunity?

• Two

• Three

• Four

• Five

What is the primary method by which Aedes aegypti mosquitoes spread globally?

• Flying long distances

• Carried by birds

• Hitchhiking on transport

• Swimming across oceans

What is one of the main challenges in using larvicides to control mosquito populations?

• Difficulty in reaching all breeding sites

• Resistance development

• Environmental damage

• High cost

What is the most effective personal protection against mosquito bites mentioned in the video?

• Mosquito nets

• Insect repellent with DEET

• Electric mosquito traps

• Ultrasonic repellents

What is the key feature of male mosquitoes that is utilized in the genetic control method?

• They bite humans

• They are attracted to light

• They find females easily

• They live longer than females

What is the main goal of the genetically modified mosquito approach?

• To prevent mosquitoes from reproducing

• To make mosquitoes resistant to insecticides

• To make mosquitoes larger

• To increase mosquito lifespan

Where have field trials for genetically modified mosquitoes been conducted?

• India and China

• Cayman Islands and Brazil

• Australia and New Zealand

• United States

What is a significant advantage of the genetic approach over traditional methods?

• It is more expensive

• It targets all insect species

• It has no lasting environmental impact

• It requires more chemicals