Mosquitoes spread many infectious diseases, including the causative agent of malaria, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile, and Zika. Adams State University Dr. Adam Kleinschmit, assistant professor of biology, will discuss recent advance in science to control the spread of diseases by mosquitoes. His Faculty Lecture Genetically Modifying the Deadliest Animal in the World to Fight Infectious Disease, begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, in McDaniel Hall room 101.
Every year, mosquitoes transmit disease to over 500 million people, and mosquito-borne disease leads to over 1 million deaths. Recent advances in genetics and molecular biology have provided tools to control natural and invasive mosquito populations, and even possibly eradicate targeted mosquito species. Recent pilot studies that have released genetically modified Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, in Brazil and Florida to reduce mosquito population size will be highlighted.
All ASU Faculty Lectures in the series are free and open to the public. Complimentary light refreshments will be offered. For further information on the series of lectures, contact Dr. Courtney Allen, assistant professor of counselor education, at 719-587-7888 or courtneyallen@adams.edu.
