TUCSON, July 16 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've genetically engineered a "malaria-proof" mosquito that would not spread the deadly disease.
Researchers at the University of Arizona introduced a gene into mosquitoes affecting the insects' gut, where malarial parasites that can infect humans develop, BBC news reported Friday.
They said the altered gene affects a "signaling molecule" affecting the mosquitoes' cells, preventing the parasite from developing, the BBC said.
