Scientists find deafening mosquitoes could curb spread of diseases

Bongani Bingwa catches up on the latest worlds news from Adam Gilchrist.

(Skip to 2:54 for this one.)

Scientists believe deafening male mosquitoes will fight the spread of mosquito-related diseases. 

“When male mosquitos mate, they rely on hearing the wing beats of female mosquitoes. They look for the more attractive wing beats and zero in.” 

– Adam Gilchrist, World View

They believe this can be done by targeting a protein that is essential for hearing.

By mutating the mosquitoes, they can distort their hearing thus curbing mating.

Female mosquitoes are known to spread diseases so they believe curbing them from having babies will help reduce overall numbers. 

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