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Google Seeks Approval to Release Millions of Specially Treated Mosquitoes to Combat Disease
The proposal would use Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes to cut breeding without adding biting insects, and the CDC says West Nile virus is the leading U.S. mosquito-borne disease.
- Google is asking the Environmental Protection Agency for permission to release up to 32 million Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in Florida and California over the next two years under its "Debug" initiative to curb mosquito-borne diseases.
- The plan involves releasing male mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia, a bacteria that prevents viable offspring when males mate with wild females, specifically targeting Culex mosquitoes known for spreading West Nile virus.
- Chad Huff, public information officer for the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, addressed safety concerns, stating, "A male mosquito has never bitten anybody." Only male mosquitoes are released, which do not bite humans.
- Residents expressed mixed reactions; Tara Nye supported the potential public health benefits, while Brent Nye stated, "I'd rather have some other state to experiment on."
- The Environmental Protection Agency is accepting public comments on the proposal through June 5 before deciding whether to approve the experimental use permit, though regulators have not yet identified specific release locations.
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Tallahassee DemocratReposted by 
lakelandgazette.info
lakelandgazette.infoWhy Google wants to release 32 million weird mosquitoes in Florida
Google is using artificial intelligence to curb mosquito-transmitted viruses with software engineers, biologists and special insect breeding robots.
·Tallahassee, United States
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution93% Center
Bias Distribution
- 93% of the sources are Center
93% Center
C 93%
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