Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered a novel method to combat mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika by genetically altering male mosquitoes to make them deaf. This prevents them from detecting female wingbeats, crucial for mating. The study focused on Aedes aegypti, responsible for spreading viruses to approximately 400 million people annually. Without the ability to hear, these mutated males failed to mate, effectively reducing the potential breeding of disease-spreading females. This breakthrough highlights a promising solution in the fight against infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

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