The mosquitos in Brazil (known as Aedes aegypti) carry dengue fever, and the World Cup also happens to be taking place happening in Brazil this summer, so authorities have approved the release of genetically reprogrammed mosquitoes that will wipe out their own species. The male mosquitoes are given a flawed gene and sent out to to go forth and multiply, spreading this gene into the wild. Then, mosquito offspring who inherit the gene die before they can sexually mature and reproduce. Trials have shown a 90% decrease, according to the biotech company that created the gene.
via Geekosystem
Image: Nagesh Jayaraman
