Dive Brief:
- British scientists say they've created a "self-destructing" fruit fly that could offer a pesticide-free alternative to protecting crops.
- Brazilian authorities have already approved field tests of the genetically modified insects. The researchers are also seeking approval for tests in Europe.
- The fruit flies are genetically modified so that female offspring die shortly after hatching. Over time that creates a male-only population that cannot mate and reproduce.
Dive Insight:
There have been similar experiments with similar GM insects in the past. And they've worked. Science has had considerable luck in killing off the breeds of mosquitos that carry Dengue fever, for example. Those tests also took place in Brazil, and that nation has embraced the use of genetically modified bugs.
But it seems likely that such insects won't be popular with consumers and anti-GMO activists here in the States or Europe. Besides, can't we just feed some Truvia to the fruit flies and be done with it?