Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes Could Curb Disease by Shortening Female Lifespans

Australian researchers have developed the 'toxic male technique,' which uses venom proteins to rapidly reduce disease-spreading mosquito populations without harming ecosystems.

• The 'toxic male technique' involves genetically modifying male mosquitoes to transfer venom proteins during mating, significantly reducing female lifespans.
• The method targets species like Aedes aegypti, which spread diseases such as dengue, Zika, and malaria, and could reduce blood-feeding rates by 40–60%.
• This approach offers faster results compared to existing genetic biocontrol methods, which often take a generation or more to show impact.
• Safety testing is underway to ensure the venom proteins are not harmful to humans, mammals, or beneficial insect species when consumed by predators.
• The researchers emphasize that this is an early-stage study, with further trials needed before the technique can be implemented in real-world mosquito populations.

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New Atlas Australian Broadcasting Corporation GEN New Scientist The Guardian Phys.org