Google's Debug Project has proposed releasing up to 32 million sterile male mosquitoes in California and Florida over two years to reduce populations of the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can transmit diseases like dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya. - The project would release lab-raised male mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria, causing eggs from wild females to not hatch.
- Only male mosquitoes would be released, and males do not bite humans. - The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing the proposal, with a public comment period open through June 5. If approved, the initiative could help curb disease spread without pesticides, offering an environmentally friendly approach to mosquito control.