It’s not the first time that scientists have turned to genetic engineering to reduce insect populations. A common practice used for decades involves the release of sterilized males into the environment; the technique has all but eliminated certain agricultural pests through North and Central America. Another approach being developed by a British company called Oxitec involves inserting a lethal gene into the mosquito genome, and field trials have already commenced in Malaysia, Brazil, and Panama. However, these strategies are inherently self-limiting; the genetic alterations are rapidly
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