24 | FOREVER Keele
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
First-ever release of genetically modified sterile male mosquitoes shows that lifespan and range is reduced
Releasing genetically modified mosquitoes into the wild could provide a promising strategy for tackling malaria in sub-Saharan Africa , according to new research .
Professor Frederic Tripet from Keele ’ s School of Life Sciences was a member of the international research team from the Target Malaria consortium , which released groups of genetically modified male mosquitoes of the anopheles coluzzii variety into the wild in Burkina Faso , to learn more about how these modifications impact their survival and behaviour .
The researchers found that the genetic modifications made the mosquitoes sterile , and that the insects were less mobile than their wild counterparts . They also had lower survival rates . Their findings were recently published in the journal , Nature Communications .
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