Google’s mosquito vs mosquito plan:3.2 crore insects to curb disease; California may hear more buzzing

Recently, Google-backed biotechnology firm Verily sought approval to release around 3.2 crore mosquitoes in California, US, as part of an effort to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The project involves releasing specially bred male mosquitoes that are designed to suppress wild mosquito populations over time. Can releasing crores of mosquitoes really help curb disease transmission, and what consequences might residents experience in return? Let’s explore. How can mosquitoes help in curbing diseases? At first glance, the idea sounds absurd. If mosquitoes spread diseases, why would scientists release even more of them? The answer lies in the type of mosquito being released. In simple terms, the project tries to reduce disease-carrying mosquitoes by turning their own mating process against them. Why has Google decided to come up with a disease-curbing project? Google’s parent company, Alphabet, created Verily to work on large health and science problems. The company believes technology can help. Which areas will it be releasing mosquitoes in? The latest proposal focuses on two American states: California and Florida. However, the choice of California and Florida is not random. Verily already has experience working in California. In 2017, it conducted a large field study in Fresno County, releasing millions of specially treated mosquitoes as part of its ‘Debug Fresno’ programme. What diseases are being targeted in this project? The project mainly targets diseases spread by specific mosquito species found in parts of the United States. Among the biggest concerns is West Nile virus, which remains the most common mosquito-borne disease in the continental US. The programme is also aimed at reducing risks linked to dengue, Zika virus, chikungunya and St. Louis encephalitis. These diseases have triggered outbreaks in different parts of the world and have increasingly worried health authorities as mosquito populations spread into new regions. Why will such a huge number of mosquitoes be released? Because mosquitoes reproduce at astonishing speed. That is why Verily’s proposal involves up to 3.2 crore mosquitoes over two years. This is partly a numbers game. Why could the project make mosquito buzzing louder? Mosquito buzzing is produced by rapid wingbeats. Depending on the species, mosquitoes can beat their wings hundreds of times every second, creating the high-pitched sound people hear near their ears. Researchers do not expect swarms large enough to resemble a horror film scene. But residents may notice more mosquito movement and hear more buzzing in certain areas. The irony is striking. The sound people associate with disease-carrying mosquitoes may become more common because scientists are trying to eliminate those very mosquitoes. What will the side effects of this project be? Supporters argue that the released mosquitoes do not bite and that Wolbachia bacteria are already widespread in nature. US health agencies say available evidence does not show harm to people, pets, birds or other animals. Critics, however, are asking broader ecological questions. There is also the public-trust issue. Graphics: Anas Shakir