The Aedes aegypti mosquito is responsible for spreading serious diseases like dengue virus, Zika virus, yellow fever, and chikungunya.

Historically, scientists and other managers of insect populations have used insecticides to control A. aegypti's population. But there's a tradeoff: Insecticides "also target beneficial insects like honey bees and butterflies," UC San Diego biologist Omar Akbari tells NOVA.

Now, for the first time in the U.S., genetically modified mosquitoes have been released in an attempt to reduce the A. aegypti population in the Florida Keys. Will this effort work?

PRODUCTION CREDITS: Digital Producer: Ana Aceves Production Assistance: Amaris Pleas Buford Christina Monnen

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Music: APM

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