TOXMOS

The research project of Prof. Gabrieli aims at developing a novel eco-friendly technique to control mosquito populations. This technique is based on the modification of the mosquito reproduction.

Only female mosquitoes transmit viruses and pathogens because they need our blood to develop eggs and to reproduce. Males, however, do not bite; the unique goal in their life is to find females and mate with them. And they are extremely efficient at this. The idea of the TOXMOS project is to use males to find females and kill them.

Exploiting male sex to control females makes this technology and similar technologies extremely specific, with no impact on non-target species, such as bees. To date, mosquitoes are mostly controlled using insecticides, which are not only non-specific and harmful to the environment and to humans, but they are also losing their effectiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to develop methods that are environmental-friendly, but that have an effectiveness and speed of action comparable to insecticides.

The research project studies the tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, which is an invasive species and whose presence has led to the indigenous transmission in Italy and other European countries, such as in France, of some viruses such as dengue and Chikungunya. The control of this mosquito species is therefore important, if not vital to reduce the risk of transmission of new and dangerous diseases. We must do it effectively and safely, for us as humans and for the environment.

"The Armenise-Harvard INF-ACT Mid-Career Award allows me to strengthen the research group and implement the scientific approaches I have envisioned to design new strategies for controlling mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit. It is also vital for collecting new data and seeking additional funding to achieve these goals."