Talya Hackett: Ethical dilemma: Should we get rid of mosquitoes?

Ethical dilemma: Should we get rid of mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths every year than any other animal, but very few of the 3,500 mosquito species actually transmit deadly diseases to humans. Scientists have been conducting experiments using engineered technologies called gene drives that could theoretically get rid of the most lethal mosquitoes. So, should we eradicate these pesky insects? Talya Hackett investigates. [Directed by Luísa M H Copetti, Hype CG, narrated by Bethany Cutmore-Scott, music by Gabriel Maia].

Mosquitoes kill more people each year than any other animal, yet only a small fraction of the 3,500 species are truly dangerous to humans. Scientists have developed gene drives that can rapidly spread traits like sterility through mosquito populations, causing their numbers to crash in lab tests. As resistance to insecticides rises and malaria cases climb, gene drives spark hope for targeted disease control. The technology raises tough questions, however, about ecological impacts and who should make decisions about its use.