Google Subsidiary Seeks Approval to Release 64 Million Mosquitoes to Combat Disease

Verily, an Alphabet subsidiary, is seeking approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to release up to 64 million male mosquitoes over two years in California and Florida. The initiative, part of Verily’s Debug Project, aims to control populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes using a biological method involving the bacterium Wolbachia.

The proposal details the release of male *Culex quinquefasciatus* mosquitoes, which do not bite humans. These males are infected with the *Wolbachia pipientis* bacteria. When they mate with wild female mosquitoes that do not carry the same strain of Wolbachia, their offspring do not hatch. This mechanism is intended to reduce the local mosquito population over time.

Verily has requested authorization to release 32 million mosquitoes each year for two years, split between Florida and California, with 16 million designated for each state annually. The public comment period for this request was set to close on June 5th, after which the EPA will review the proposal and make a decision, potentially including conditions for the trial. The ultimate goal is to gather field data that could lead to the commercialization of this pest control solution.

Why This Matters

The *Culex quinquefasciatus* mosquito is a significant vector for several diseases, including avian malaria, West Nile virus, Rift Valley fever, and St. Louis encephalitis. The West Nile virus is a primary mosquito-borne illness in the continental United States, causing an average of 2,000 cases and approximately 120 deaths annually, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever affect an estimated 400 million people each year, with around 40,000 associated deaths. Developing effective, non-chemical insecticidal methods is crucial for public health and could have a significant global impact.

Scientific Basis and Previous Trials

The strategy is grounded in scientific evidence. A clinical trial in Singapore involving over 700,000 residents demonstrated that releasing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes reduced the risk of dengue by more than 70%. Verily’s Debug Project is already releasing over 10 million male mosquitoes weekly in Singapore. In Fresno, California, between 2017 and 2018, releases of 7.5 to 14.4 million infected male mosquitoes per week resulted in a reduction of vector mosquito populations by up to 93-95%.

The Role of AI and Automation

The project leverages artificial intelligence and automation in its large-scale mosquito rearing and release process. AI and robots are used to efficiently sort mosquitoes by sex, manage their breeding, and ensure systematic distribution. This technological integration is key to scaling the operation for significant population impact.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite promising results, the method is not without its challenges. Research indicates that the Wolbachia bacteria do not guarantee 100% effectiveness in preventing hatching. A 2024 study found that between 6% and 75% of eggs could still produce live embryos under certain conditions, indicating a lack of complete sterility. Furthermore, a 2022 study by Verily’s own Debug team revealed that the automated systems for mosquito release were still in early prototype stages.

Datos clave
| Aspect | Detail |
|—|—|
| Applicant | Verily (Alphabet subsidiary) |
| Proposed Action | Release of up to 64 million male mosquitoes |
| Mosquito Species | Culex quinquefasciatus |
| Key Technology | Wolbachia bacteria |
| Target Locations | California and Florida |
| Primary Goal | Reduce populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes |

This development is significant for public health initiatives and the application of AI in biological control. By potentially offering an alternative to chemical insecticides, Verily’s project highlights how sophisticated technological approaches, including AI and automation, can be applied to address pressing global health challenges like mosquito-borne diseases.

Fuente: Google tiene claro cuál es el mejor antídoto contra los mosquitos: soltar 64 millones de mosquitos – Xataka: https://www.xataka.com/ecologia-y-naturaleza/google-tiene-claro-cual-mejor-antidoto-mosquitos-muchos-mosquitos-quiere-soltar-64-millones

Datos clave