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Genetic tweak weaponizes mosquito semen for population control


Mosquitoes looking to mate in Australia are about to have the worst sex of their lives – thanks to genetic modifications turning their semen toxic. That's part of a new mosquito population control method set to be trialed by Macquarie University researchers looking to curb the spread of diseases…

That's part of a new mosquito population control method set to be trialed by Macquarie University researchers looking to curb the spread of diseases carried by these insects. Using computer models, the team predicts that applying TMT to an aggressive mosquito species primarily responsible for transmitting dengue and zika, could reduce blood-feeding rates by 40 to 60%. "We still need to implement it in mosquitoes and conduct rigorous safety testing to ensure there are no risks to humans or other non-target species," said Macquarie University associate professor Maciej Maselko, whose lab facilitated the proof-of-concept study.

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