It sounds like a Hollywood movie but it is true. This time, Google has announced a war against mosquitoes. Google plans to release 32 million specially designed mosquitoes in the US to fight deadly diseases like dengue, malaria, Zika and chikungunya. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has already applied for a permit. Once given the green light, these lab-grown male mosquitoes will be released in phases across Florida and California.
Naturally, the question arises why mosquitoes should be released to reduce mosquitoes. But the explanation of scientists is very interesting. This particular male mosquito harbors a naturally occurring bacteria called Wolbachia pipientis. When these males mate with normal females, female mosquitoes do not hatch from their eggs. As a result, the number of mosquitoes will gradually decrease. Most importantly, male mosquitoes do not bite humans, only females do and spread disease. Hence, there is no risk of mosquito attack on humans due to this project, researchers said.
Google launched the project in 2014 with its research called DEBUG. Its sole aim is to control mosquito-borne diseases in a very safe and environmentally friendly manner without the use of chemical pesticides. Under this project, scientists, local administration and health agencies have worked together to reduce the fear of mosquitoes in the future. According to the World Health Organization, billions of people worldwide get sick and many die from mosquito bites every year.
This technology is not entirely new though, it has been successful before. This method has been used in pest control for many years. The technology has proven successful in controlling New World screwworms and fruit flies that are used to spread deadly infections among animals. Now the same strategy is being applied against mosquitoes.
However, there is some controversy and concern over the plan. A group of environmentalists questioned whether these lab-made or bacteria-carrying mosquitoes would have any unknown effect on the balance of nature. However, scientists believe that bacteria occur naturally in many insects in nature. In addition, these mosquitoes are not designed to live permanently in nature. If the scheme receives official approval, it will be the largest mosquito control operation in US history. If successful, it will change the entire picture of fighting deadly diseases like dengue and malaria in the future.