In one of the first successful attempts at genetically
engineering mosquitoes, HHMI researchers have altered the way the insects
respond to odors, including the smell of humans and the insect repellant DEET.
The research not only demonstrates that mosquitoes can be genetically altered
using the latest research techniques, but paves the way to understanding why
the insect is so attracted to humans, and how to block that attraction.
“The time has come now to do genetics in these important
disease-vector insects. I think our new work is a great example that you can do
it,” says Leslie Vosshall, an HHMI investigator at The Rockefeller University
who led the new research, published May 29, 2013 in the journal Nature.