# Dubious Natural Experiements Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Released into the Wild By Katie Cordrey | Published 2011-01-30 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genetically-modified-mosquitoes References: [popsci](http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-01/malaysia-releases-6000-genetically-modified-mosquitoes-wild) & [coffetoday](http://www.coffetoday.com/dna-modifying-to-prevent-dengue-mosquitos/9010124/) Malaysia has released 6,000 genetically modified mosquitoes into the wild. The experimental release is an effort to reduce the spread of [dengue fever](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dengue-home-test-kit) -- a disease carried by mosquitoes. The experimental genetically modified mosquitoes are all males whose offspring will die without mating. Scientists hope that the die-off will help to thin the dengue-carrying mosquito population. No one knows the long-term effects of genetically modified mosquitoes on the ecosystem. Needless to say, environmental groups are not pleased. **Implications** - It shouldn't be very long now before they begin to set up protest groups and buycotts against Malaysia, but how much flack can a country garner for trying to save its population? We'll find out. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 26% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Genetically Modified Mosquitoes:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing genetically modified insects to control disease-carrying populations. - **Dengue Fever:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating new methods for preventing and treating dengue fever. - **Environmental Impact:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to address concerns of genetically modified organisms in the ecosystem. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Biotechnology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Advancing genetic engineering technologies for pest control and disease management. - **Healthcare:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Investing in research and development of new approaches to prevent and treat mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. - **Environmental Conservation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Promoting and developing strategies that balance public health concerns with ecosystem preservation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Paper-Based Mosquito Repellents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paperbased-mosquito-repellent.md) - [Electronic Mosquito Repellents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-mosquito-repellent.md) - [Natural Pesticide Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-pesticide-alternative.md) - [Mosquito Safety Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mosquito-joe.md) - [Laser-Powered Mosquito Zappers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photon-matrix.md) - [Insect-Level Forecasting Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mosquito-forecast.md) - [Bug Repellent Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buzz-off-pizza.md) - [Rechargeable Bug-Repelling Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mosquito-repellent-device.md) - [Innovative Rat Birth Control](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rat-birth-control.md)