Google wants to release 32M good mosquitoes in 2 states | Here's why
The insects carry a naturally-occurring bacterium that prevents them from producing offspring with wild female mosquitos.
Google wants to fight mosquitoes with more mosquitoes.
The company's debug program is seeking federal approval to release up to 32 million non-biting male mosquitoes in Florida and California.
The insects carry a naturally-occurring bacterium that prevents them from producing offspring with wild female mosquitoes.
Because only males are released, they don't bite or spread disease. That means the population of disease-carrying mosquitoes could shrink over time.
The Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing the permit request.
The proposal comes as health officials in California recently reported that a mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile virus.
There are no reports of human cases but officials are urging residents to take precautions.
