People in the Americas are faced with the fear of Zika virus infection, a disease that was linked to the sudden surge of microcephaly. Experts have exerted efforts to stem the spread of the virus, and one of the most popular solutions suggested is the use of genetically modified mosquitoes.
In the preliminary findings of a nationwide online survey of 964 U.S. residents, researchers from Purdue University found that, despite the growing disagreement over the use of GMOs, 78 percent of respondents support its use to combat Zika virus.
"Yet when it comes to fighting the Zika virus, public sentiment comes out pretty strong in favor of using these technologies to our advantage," said Nicole Widmar, lead researcher from Purdue University.
The use of GMOs has been bashed by different groups; however, this new survey shows that the opposition and disagreement over the issue may not be across the board.
About 84 percent of the participants are aware of the current Zika menace and 81 percent of them are aware of the potential complication of microcephaly among babies born to women infected by the virus. The link between Zika and microcephaly has not yet been confirmed, but a series of studies are looking into the possibility.
"It's too soon to say what all the implications of our findings mean, but we are already conducting further data analysis," said Wallace Tyner, co-researcher of the study. He added that they are pleased to know that most Americans showed willingness to be open to various methods scientists are developing in the battle against Zika.
GMO Mosquitoes Kill Its Own Offspring
The self-limiting Aedes aegypti mosquito, dubbed as OX513A is a male mosquito that can pass a lethal gene to wild females, which causes death to their offspring. Oxitec, a small biotechnology company launched by professors from the Oxford University in 2002, created these GMO mosquitoes. It is now owned by Intrexon, a biotechnology firm in the United States.
GMO mosquitoes are made to help stem the spread of Zika virus and hopefully reduce other the incidence of other mosquito-borne diseases.
