Hot Spots and Cool Sites Hot Spots are geopolitical issues currently in the news. These topics include the environment, refugees, population issues, humanitarian assistance, famine, and international boundaries. Researchers have modified the yellow fever-carrying mosquito to make it produce a powerful antibacterial protein that inhibits the yellow fever parasite's growth. Scientists hope similar modifications to the malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquito's DNA will make it impossible for it to carry the malaria parasite.
Scientists hope to then introduce the modified mosquitoes into the malaria-carrying population.
Critics argue that GM versions of Anopheles will not likely lead to the extinction of the malaria-carrying strain because of the difficulty in successfully introducing the GM strain into a large enough proportion of the overall mosquito population. An estimated 2.7 million people die each year from malaria, for which there is no viable vaccine. The malaria parasite is becoming resistant to the most commonly used drugs. MAPS Find online maps, create your own maps, and learn how to read maps. The Department of State does not endorse unofficial publications or web sites.