Google is taking a page straight out of Bill Gates' playbook and is seeking permission to release millions of bioengineered mosquitoes in Florida.
The bioengineered mosquitoes would be intentionally infected with a bacterium.
The goal is to reduce populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Google is taking a page straight out of Bill Gates' playbook
Re: Google is taking a page straight out of Bill Gates' playbook
Google (through its Debug project, part of parent company Alphabet) has asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for permission to RELEASE lab-raised male mosquitoes as a “natural way” to reduce populations of mosquitoes that spread diseases.
“The plan”… Release up to about 32 million specially treated male mosquitoes over two years — 16 million in Florida in the first year and 16 million in California in the second year. (Some reports round the total potential to 64 million when counting both years fully.)
How it works: The males carry Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacteria. When they mate with wild female mosquitoes, the eggs don’t hatch. This gradually lowers the number of disease-spreading mosquitoes in the area without using chemical pesticides.
Target: Mainly Culex mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus and Saint Louis encephalitis.
Current status: This is still just a proposal. The EPA is reviewing it and accepting public comments until June 5, 2026.
Tell EPA Lee Zeldin HELL NO.
Article (https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/ ... -g76sqv86r)