Virginia Tech Researchers Pioneer Genetic Method for Mosquito Control

New study identifies genetic targets to create all-male mosquito populations, offering an alternative to declining insecticides.

Hybridization between mosquito species reveals genetic incompatibilities leading to intersex individuals.
Intersex mosquitoes display disrupted sex determination pathways, expressing both male and female genes.
Creating all-male mosquito populations can reduce numbers and control disease vectors like Zika and dengue.
Sex-specific gene identification could inform future vector control strategies by manipulating mosquito traits.
Traditional insecticides are becoming less effective and environmentally harmful, prompting genetic research.