Mutant Mosquitoes in Florida

TL;DR

Greenland sharks, the longest-living vertebrates, can live over 270 years, and studying their genes could reveal insights into longevity. Additionally, genetically modified mosquitoes are being released to combat diseases like Zika.

Transcript

What if you could live for centuries? Heck, what if you didn’t even have to worry about puberty until you were as old as your grandma’s grandma’s grandma? Well apparently, that’s what life is like for these animals. A study published in Science this week reports that the longest-living vertebrates on Earth may be the Greenland shark, which can live... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫒 Greenland sharks can live over 270 years, making them the longest-living vertebrates on Earth.
• 🥶 The slow growth rate of Greenland sharks and reaching sexual maturity at around 156 years old make them vulnerable to accidental killing by commercial fisheries.
• 🤕 Studying the genes of Greenland sharks may provide insights into human longevity and aging-related diseases.
• 🦟 Genetically modified mosquitoes, produced by Oxitec, are designed to reduce local populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes, including those spreading Zika.
• 🦟 The genetically modified mosquitoes produce offspring that cannot develop to maturity, decreasing the overall mosquito population.
• 🦟 The FDA has approved a trial to release genetically modified mosquitoes in Key Haven, Florida, as a means of reducing mosquito populations and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
• 🦟 Genetically modified mosquitoes have been successfully released in other locations, reducing local populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes by up to 90%.

Questions & Answers

Q: How long can Greenland sharks live, and why is it significant?

Greenland sharks can live over 270 years, making them the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. Studying their genes may provide insights into human longevity and aging-related diseases.

Q: Why do Greenland sharks have a slow growth rate and reach sexual maturity so late?

The slow growth rate of Greenland sharks contributes to their longevity. They only reach sexual maturity at around 156 years old, allowing them to reproduce after living for several human lifetimes.

Q: How can genetically modified mosquitoes help combat Zika and other diseases?

Genetically modified male mosquitoes produced by Oxitec are designed to produce offspring that cannot develop to maturity. This reduces the local populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes, helping to control the spread of diseases like Zika.

Q: What is the purpose of releasing genetically modified mosquitoes in Florida?

By releasing genetically modified mosquitoes in Key Haven, Florida, the goal is to reduce the populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes and decrease the risk of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A study reveals that Greenland sharks, living in Arctic waters, can live over 270 years, making them the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. This discovery has implications for understanding human longevity.

• Greenland sharks reach sexual maturity at around 156 years old, and the slow growth rate means they should be protected from accidental killings by commercial fisheries.

• Genetically modified mosquitoes, engineered by the company Oxitec, are being released to combat diseases like Zika. These male mosquitoes produce offspring that cannot develop, reducing the local populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes.