Google's Debug program seeks EPA approval to release 64 million modified mosquitoes in California and Florida
By
Nick Viviani
14h ago· 3 min readenNews
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Summary
Google's Debug program plans to release up to 64 million genetically modified "good" mosquitoes in California and Florida over two years. The initiative aims to combat disease-carrying mosquito populations by introducing male mosquitoes infected with a bacteria (Wolbachia) that causes female eggs to not hatch, thereby reducing the population of species like Aedes aegypti that spread diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.
Key quotes
· 2 pulledThe organization, though, promises its 'good bugs' are designed to eliminate the disease-ridden 'bad bugs.'
Google's Debug program filed a request with the Environmental Protection Agency for an experimental use permit that would let it release up to 64 million mosquitoes in Florida and California over a two-year span.
Google’s Debug program promises its "good bugs" are designed to eliminate the disease-ridden "bad bugs."