Today, researchers want to genetically change the sperm from mosquito farms to eliminate the females, the source of the stings. This technique would enable effective control of tropical diseases.
Dengue fever, Malaria, Chikungunya, Zika … have Australian scientists found the method that puts tropical diseases at an end? The technology published in a study published on Tuesday, January 21, has not missed to arouse the curiosity of many researchers around the world. Members of the Macquarie University want to genetically change sperm from a breeding farm Mosquito : This contains toxic proteins that are able to kill females after mating. The method, known as the “toxic male”, would thus enable females to exterminate the source of bite and thus the spread of potentially serious infectious diseases.
The advantage of this technique is that it could “work as quickly as pesticides without damage to useful species,” explains Sam Beach, a scientist who was involved in this study published in the magazine Natural communication on January 7th. “This innovative solution could be the way we deal with pests, change and hope for healthier communities and a more sustainable future,” the researcher continues.
Tests on mosquitoes are to be developed
At the beginning of research, the researchers were interested in “vinegar flying” because these insects only have a short lifespan. The sperm of men has been genetically changed. According to the study, the life expectancy of the females, who paired themselves with these “toxic” subjects, decreased considerably, “about 60 %”. It is now about testing this method of mosquito populations “to ensure that there are no risks for humans or other non -target types,” analyzes Maciej Maselko, also researcher at Macquarie University.
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If these new test phases are conclusive, this method would also be cheaper. In fact, only a few males would be necessary to reduce the insect population as best as possible.