Geneticists have created toxic mosquitoes that will help fight epidemics

Researchers from Macquarie University have developed a new technology for biological control of mosquito populations, called the Toxic Males Technique (TMT). This method is based on the genetic modification of male mosquitoes, whose semen contains special toxic proteins. These proteins are safe for humans and most animals, but they shorten the lifespan of females after mating. The first laboratory tests on fruit flies showed promising results: the life expectancy of females decreased by 37-64%. Computer modeling predicts that applying this technology to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can reduce...