GOOGLE RELEASES 64M BACTERIA-INFECTED MOSQUITOES IN TWO...

Google's life sciences division, Verily, has announced plans to release 64 million bacteria-infected mosquitoes across two US states. The mosquitoes carry Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium. The release targets areas where mosquito-borne disease transmission is a documented public health concern. The program operates under Verily's Debug Project initiative.

Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes, when they mate with wild females, produce eggs that do not hatch, reducing the local mosquito population over time. Verily has conducted similar controlled releases in other regions in previous years. The male mosquitoes used in the program do not bite humans, as only female mosquitoes feed on blood. Regulatory approvals govern the conditions under which such releases can proceed in the United States.

The program has drawn public opposition from critics who have called for it to be halted. Population suppression through sterile insect technique is a method used by researchers to reduce the spread of diseases including dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya. The Debug Project positions the Wolbachia method as an alternative to chemical pesticide use. Verily has not publicly confirmed a final release date for the current planned deployment.