Thousands of genetically modified mosquitoes are being released in Florida this week. The project from biotech company Oxitec, aims to curb the population of disease spreading species of the insect. Some mosquitos can spread viruses like Zika and dengue fever.
The goal is to have genetically modified male mosquitoes mate with non-modified females, which are the ones that bite. This is considered a "death mechanism" that could prevent any resulting female offspring from surviving.
There is some concern over the project though, especially from residents in the Florida Keys. They fear that it could harm people and the environment.
Around 12,000 modified mosquitos will be released in six locations in the Florida Keys over the next 12 weeks.