Iran to use nuclear technology to control Aedes mosquitoes

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education have signed an agreement to develop insect sterilization technology to control the invasive Aedes mosquito. This initiative aims to combat diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika.

The collaboration focuses on utilizing national scientific and technological capacities to establish a mass-rearing center for sterile male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The process involves using radiation technology, such as gamma or X-ray, to sterilize male mosquitoes. Once released into target areas, these sterile males will reduce the reproductive success of the mosquito population, thereby controlling the disease vector.

The Atomic Energy Organization will provide radiation equipment, human resource training in dosimetry and radiation technology, and technical maintenance. While the project has a projected 19-month timeline, officials expressed intentions to accelerate the process to achieve initial results sooner.