Scientists have identified a gene that could hold the key to a new generation of mosquito control strategies. By studying the genomes of two species of mosquitoes, they have discovered a gene that could be used to manipulate mosquito populations in order to reduce their numbers and control their spread of diseases like malaria. The gene, known as the ‘EGG-1’ gene, is found in both species of mosquitoes and appears to play a critical role in the juvenile life stage of the insects. By manipulating this gene, scientists believe they can reduce the number of mosquitoes that can become adults and, in turn, reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. This could open up the possibility of developing new strategies to control mosquito populations and protect people from the diseases they carry.

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source: Phys.org