VOICED : Brasil alista mosquitos transgenicos contra dengue y zika

The video discusses the world's largest transgenic mosquito factory in Piracicaba, Brazil, operated by Oxitec. The factory aims to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a vector for diseases like dengue and Zika, by releasing genetically modified male mosquitoes. These males mate with wild females, producing offspring that die before adulthood, reducing the mosquito population. Field trials showed a 90% reduction in mosquito numbers. Despite not having commercialization approval from Brazil's health authority, the city of Piracicaba has invested in the project. Environmentalists express concerns over the lack of long-term studies on the release of transgenic insects.

What is the primary goal of the transgenic mosquito factory in Piracicaba?

• To produce genetically modified mosquitoes for research purposes

• To combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito and reduce the spread of diseases

• To increase the population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

• To develop new mosquito species

What was the outcome of the field trials conducted between 2011 and 2014?

• An increase in the Aedes aegypti mosquito population

• No change in the mosquito population

• A decrease in the wild mosquito population by about 90%

• The extinction of the Aedes aegypti mosquito

What financial commitment has the city of Piracicaba made regarding the mosquito release program?

• A commitment to fund the program indefinitely

• A one-time payment of $500,000

• A commitment of over a million dollars over four years

• No financial commitment

What is the role of the male mosquitoes released by Oxitec?

• To replace wild female mosquitoes

• To increase the population of wild mosquitoes

• To mate with wild females and produce offspring that die before adulthood

• To spread diseases

What concerns have environmentalists raised about the release of transgenic mosquitoes?

• The potential for mosquitoes to spread new diseases

• The cost of the program

• The impact on local wildlife

• The lack of long-term and epidemiological studies on their effectiveness