Summaries

MEMORANDOM

To:

From: , BUS 1000

Date: 03-7, 2016

Subject: Business Brief from Business week; 2/29/2016, Issue 0007-7135 p18-19, Science Takes a Fresh Swat at Zika, by Matlack, Carol , Gale, Jason, Tirone, Jonathan. 

Summary:

In this article, the primary topic that is being discussed is the action that is being taken amongst mosquitos that carry the Zika virus. According to this article, the treatment or vaccine that could control the Zika virus would be to attack the mosquitos that possess the virus. In order for that to be achieved, Biotech companies and governments worked together to build the most supreme weapon. This weapon involved the breeding of mosquitos having their hormones altered so they would be unable to reproduce or spread the harmful Zika virus. These mutated mosquitos would then be released into the wild in hopes of declining the population of mosquitos that have this deadly virus. In Brazil, the technique of creating these bioengineered mosquitos that are sterile has already been tested in breeding facilities in this country. However, the breeding of genetically modified mosquitos in Brazil is seeking final Brazilian clearance to market the service and FDA approval for U.S. field trials. The next dilemma that arises is that these genetically modified insects are extremely fragile to drop from planes, yet there are thoughts that the use of trucks to spread its genetically modified insects would be the most suitable. All the while, German companies are trying to develop delivery of these special insects by drone.

Impacts:

· The Zika virus can potentially reduce the suspected cause of birth defects if controlled.

· The method of mutated mosquitos could provide a long-term cost savings because infected mosquitos spread bacteria to each other.

· The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency offers technology and training free of charge to governments.

· The method has already been tested and ready for operational use.