Scientists have discovered a way to control mosquito populations without the need for insecticides. A new study published in the journal Nature Communications has demonstrated that a naturally occurring bacterium called Wolbachia can be used to reduce mosquito fertility and reduce their populations. This method, known as “Infectious Control of Insect Fertility” (ICIF), has been tested on the Aedes aegypti mosquito species, which is responsible for transmitting diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

In the study, researchers infected adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with Wolbachia and observed that the fertility of the mosquitoes decreased significantly in just a few generations. The bacteria also spread quickly and efficiently from one mosquito to another, allowing the researchers to control the spread of the bacteria in the population. This method of controlling mosquito populations could be a safer and more effective alternative to traditional insecticides, which can have negative environmental consequences.

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source: Phys.org