Google plans release of 32 million sterile mosquitoes

One of the world’s largest technology companies, Google, has announced plans to release 32 million sterile mosquitoes in the U.S. states of California and Florida in an effort to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

According to information released by the company, official approval is being sought to release 32 million sterile mosquitoes over the next two years to help reduce diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, including West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever and Zika Virus Disease, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

Information published on Google-owned Debug.com states that while harmful mosquitoes spread disease, beneficial mosquitoes can help stop them.

The website notes that mosquitoes are the deadliest animals in the world, stating:

“Mosquitoes kill more people than all other animals combined. The Aedes aegypti species carries diseases such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya, which make hundreds of millions of people sick every year. These diseases are spreading faster than ever.”

According to several U.S. media reports closely following the project, Google’s proposal is currently under review by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with a decision expected on June 5.

The reports also indicate that, instead of releasing biting mosquitoes, Google plans to release male mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium. When these males mate with wild female mosquitoes, their offspring fail to survive, helping suppress mosquito populations over time.

Google has reportedly been working on mosquito-control technologies for more than a decade. Previous company statements have also highlighted the use of artificial intelligence and robotic systems in support of the project.

Photo: ChatGPT