Google-Backed Plan to Release 64 Million Wolbachia Mosquitoes Sparks Backlash
Alphabet’s life sciences arm has sought federal approval to release 32 million Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes each year in California and Florida. If approved, this two-year effort would total 64 million insects. Scientists say the male mosquitoes carry a naturally occurring bacterium that stops eggs from hatching, gradually reducing populations of the disease-spreading Aedes aegypti without pesticides. Critics, including some elected officials, warn of potential ecological harm and question why a technology company is leading a large open-air biological experiment. They argue public consent is needed before interfering with nature. Supporters point to promising results from similar programs in recent years and urge separating science-based strategies from unfounded fears around Zika, dengue and other mosquito-borne threats.
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