Can we fight mosquitoes by releasing more of them?

By using multiple variations of genetic modification, scientists are developing mosquitoes that may lead to a reduction of their overall population.

Mosquitoes spread many germs that can cause diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Malaria alone may have killed up to 300 million people in the previous century, accounting for up to 5% of all deaths. Even in 2020, over 600,000 people, mostly young children, are thought to have died of malaria. No wonder the mosquito has been called “the worst animal ever”. But you already know that.

There are multiple avenues of research focusing on preventing mosquito-borne diseases and their ill effects. These include treatments and vaccines. Last year, the World Health Organization recommended a landmark malaria vaccine …