A Statistical Analysis of the Effectiveness of Genetically Modified Organisms to Control Mosquito Populations / Presenter: Drew Roberts

 

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are a topic of great controversy in modern society. The focus of the polemical debate normally centers upon human consumption of GMOs, but there are many uses and areas of study that are currently being explored by scientists around the world. Florida has recently been pushed into the center of this debate. Officials are planning to introduce genetically modified mosquitoes into the Florida Keys with the ultimate goal of targeting a specific species of mosquito called Aedes aegypti. A. aegypti is a vector for tropical diseases such as Dengue fever, which have been making their way into the Keys as a result of global climate change. This research aims to address both the effectiveness compared to conventional methods and potential population reduction of A. aegypti from the use of GMOs with the use of statistical analysis. The effectiveness compared to conventional methods will use a paired T-test to determine if a measurable, statistically significant difference exists between GMOs and pesticides. The data for the T-test is gathered from past uses of both methods of population reduction. The expected potential population reduction will also be created using a modified predator-prey model to simulate the introduction of the modified mosquitoes. The predator-prey model will be used to show potential outcomes of the introduction of the modified organisms based on previous data and statistical inference.