Using Genetic Engineering to Combat Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes

Synopsis

The mosquito is the world's most dangerous animal, accounting for hundreds of millions of malaria and dengue cases each year. In the global war against the mosquito it is the mosquito that is winning as trends such as globalisation and urbanisation provide transportation and environments that exacerbate the threat of mosquito borne diseases.

In his talk, Dr Parry will argue that current tools have proved unsuccessful in combating this threat and that new approaches are desperately needed. His solution is that genetic engineering provides an answer by allowing the use of genetically 'sterile' mosquitoes that are released into an urban environment to reduce rapidly the disease carrying species. In presenting such a solution Dr Parry argues that proponents must address the perceptions around GM technology with clear communication and transparency.

In July, it was announced that Oxitec is opening in Brazil its first mosquito production unit to fight the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti.

This talk follows on from the successful lecture, given by Dr Parry at SCI in October and will include new developments and additional information will be provided.

Programme

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Additional Info

Exhibition and Sponsorship

An exhibition will take place alongside the conference for companies and related organisations who may wish to exhibit. Please email conferences@soci.org for further information and prices. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.