Rewriting Mosquito DNA to End Disease Spread
Understanding mosquito genetics for mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika and dengue can lead to better control methods, reducing their spread around the world. Virginia Tech…
Mosquito News
Mosquitoes are small, flying insects belonging to the order Diptera, known primarily for their role in transmitting diseases to humans and other animals. There are thousands of mosquito species worldwide, with varying habitats and behaviors, but many are notorious for their ability to spread pathogens such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and yellow fever. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, from large ponds to small containers, making their population control challenging, especially in tropical and subtropical climates. Female mosquitoes require blood meals to develop fertile eggs, which is when disease transmission occurs. Efforts to control mosquito populations and minimize disease transmission include the use of insecticides, mosquito nets, and genetically modified mosquitoes, as well as public health campaigns aimed at reducing mosquito breeding sites.
Ancient Bloodsuckers Revealed: Male Mosquitoes Fed on Blood Too
Researchers have unearthed the oldest fossil mosquitoes in Lebanese amber, showing that ancient male mosquitoes were likely blood-feeders. This finding from the Lower Cretaceous period…
Scientists Uncover Surprisingly Simple Potential Solution to Malaria
Could the solution to the long-standing battle against malaria be as straightforward as using soap? This intriguing possibility was presented in a recent study published…
Dry Survival: The Remarkable Resilience of Zika Mosquito Eggs
Zika-carrying mosquito eggs can survive drying due to metabolic changes, offering potential control strategies. Eggs of the mosquito that carries Zika virus can tolerate extended…
Infectious Disease Experts Warn: Brace for Yellow Fever Resurgence in U.S.
Experts warn of a potential resurgence of yellow fever in the American South, advocating for enhanced disease surveillance, antiviral development, and innovative mosquito control measures….
Chikungunya Virus’s “Invisibility Shield” Uncovered – New Findings May Lead to Vaccines or Treatments
The virus restructures infected cells to protect against antibody attacks. Scientists at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered that the virus causing chikungunya…
Scientists Discover “Concerning” Flaw in Malaria Diagnostics
A new report suggests that current methods may significantly overestimate the multiplication rates of malaria parasites in a person’s bloodstream. This overestimation has crucial implications…
Concerning – Over 27% of Young Kids May Have Malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa
Research on nearly 65,000 children up to the age of 5 identified the prevalence of malaria and its associated risk factors across 13 countries in…
Why Are Mosquitos So Attracted to Me? [Video]
Some people are more attractive to mosquitos than others, and new research is starting to show why. This Reactions episode dives into the chemistry of…
Washing With the Wrong Soap? It Could Turn You Into a Mosquito Magnet
Various theories have been proposed explaining why mosquitoes are drawn to certain people while others escape unscathed. A group of scientists from Virginia Tech have…
Buzz-Off: New Genetic Technology Developed To Stop Malaria-Spreading Mosquitoes
As envisioned, this first-of-its-kind African mosquito suppression system would reduce child mortality and aid economic development. Malaria remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases. Each…
Four Confirmed Cases of Malaria: Florida Department of Health Issues Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Advisory
The Florida Department of Health has issued an advisory following four recovered cases of malaria in Sarasota County, prompting increased mosquito control efforts. Residents are…
“Jet-Lagging” – A New Way To Battle Malaria
The research could lead to the development of new anti-malarial drugs, which operate by inducing a “jet lag” effect on the parasites responsible for the…
Bad News: Light Pollution Could Extend Mosquito Season
However, there’s also good news – the disease-carrying pests may not survive the winter. A recent study has revealed that urban light pollution may interfere…
Invasion Alert: Disease Fears Raised Over New Mosquito Species Reported in Florida
Another new mosquito species has made its way across the tropics into Florida, making a permanent home in at least three counties. Scientists are concerned…
Mosquitoes No More? New Research Could Help Control Infectious Pests
Fighting back against mosquitoes by deactivating their sperm. A recent study conducted at UC Riverside makes it likely that proteins responsible for activating mosquito sperm…
New Portable Mosquito Repellent Device Passes U.S. Military Testing
A device developed at the University of Florida for the U.S. military provides protection from mosquitos for an extended period and requires no heat, electricity,…
mRNA Vaccines Offer One-Two Punch To Combat Malaria – Could Help Save Millions of Lives
Research shows new mRNA vaccine technology could help researchers save millions of lives, prevent illness, and make progress toward the elimination of this ancient disease….