Time: 2024-08-17
Scientists have made significant progress in combating mosquito - borne diseases by utilizing an automated device to separate male and female mosquitoes efficiently . This breakthrough has garnered global attention after being published in the academic journal Science Robotics . The international research team behind this achievement includes experts from Michigan State University in the United States , as well as Jinan University and Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co in Guangdong province.
The device developed by the research team plays a crucial role in increasing the production of sterile male mosquitoes , which helps control mosquito reproduction . By infecting male mosquitoes with a bacterium called wolbachia , the eggs produced by females that mate with these males become infertile , leading to a decrease in the mosquito population . This method has proven effective in preventing the spread of Dengue fever and other mosquito - borne diseases in various countries around the world.
The World Health Organization has recognized the potential of this technology for long - term dengue mosquito vector control and is working on guidelines for its implementation in endemic countries . With the sale of 18 devices in countries heavily impacted by dengue fever , such as the United States , Brazil , Cuba , Thailand , and Italy , the spread of mosquito - borne diseases has been successfully controlled.
The automatic mosquito pupae male and female separator developed by the research team has revolutionized the process of separating male and female mosquitoes . This innovative device has significantly increased the production capacity of male mosquitoes by 17 times compared to traditional manual methods . With the ability to separate 16 million male mosquitoes per week , this technology has the potential to make a substantial impact on mosquito population control.
Xi Zhiyong , a key figure in the research team and co - founder of Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech , emphasized the importance of expanding production scale and reducing costs to meet the growing demand for this technology in dengue - endemic regions . The project , initiated in Guangzhou in 2011 , aims to combat the rising threat of mosquito - borne diseases , particularly dengue fever , which has become more severe due to climate change and increased human mobility.
Associate professor Li Yongjun from Jinan University highlighted the limitations of chemical control methods in addressing mosquito - borne diseases , as they often lead to environmental pollution and drug resistance . The innovative approach of using automated devices to separate male and female mosquitoes provides a more sustainable and effective solution to control mosquito populations and prevent the spread of diseases like dengue fever.
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