Scientists Modify Fly to Eat More Human-Produced Waste
A team of scientists from Australia's Macquarie University in Sydney is genetically modifying black soldier flies to increase their consumption of humanity's organic waste....
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Facts
- A team of scientists from Australia's Macquarie University in Sydney is genetically modifying black soldier flies to increase their consumption of humanity's organic waste.1
- In a paper published Wednesday in Communications Biology, scientists said black soldier flies could curb the planet-warming methane emitted into the atmosphere when organic waste breaks down.2
- Black soldier flies aren't pests, don't bite, or carry diseases. Their larvae can be pet food, digest all kinds of human waste, and even be processed into plastic.3
- By genetically modifying black soldier flies, scientists also aim to create products including biofuels, lubricants, and livestock feed.4
- The team has established EntoZyme, a spin-off firm, to commercialize their work and produce the 'next frontier' in addressing the world's organic waste problem by the end of 2024.2
- Mobius Farms, reportedly the first organic food waste firm in South Australia, converts about 200kg of waste into 50kg of black soldier fly larvae per week.5
Sources: 1BGR, 2Guardian, 3New Scientist, 4Daily Express US and 5InDaily.
Narratives
- Narrative A, as provided by Guardian. Genetically modified flies are revolutionizing waste management. This innovative approach supports food security and promotes a circular economy, minimizing landfill dependence and environmental impact. It's also a sustainable solution for water-scarce regions.
- Narrative B, as provided by Stray Dog Institute. While it's attractive for its potential to convert food waste into protein, black soldier fly modification risks reinforcing industrial animal agriculture. This is both exploitative and environmentally harmful, and it could divert resources from more comprehensive food system reforms.
