Mosquito News and Research

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Investigational malaria vaccine protects against multiple strains, study shows

An investigational malaria vaccine has protected a small number of healthy U.S. adults from infection with a malaria strain different from that contained in the vaccine, according to a study published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

22 Feb 2017

New computer model recommends intervention strategies to mitigate pandemics

The 2016 Zika virus outbreak, along with recent outbreaks of SARS, bird flu, H1N1 and Ebola, underscore the importance of being prepared for and responding quickly to infectious diseases. Zika, in particular, poses unique challenges, since its associated birth defects and lack of preventive treatment currently threaten over 60 countries.

17 Feb 2017

Sunburn and mosquito bites may ruin spring vacation in tropical locales

If the last blast of winter has you longing for sun-soaked beaches in tropical locales, be sure to stop at the drug store for sunscreen and insect repellant before leaving for spring vacation.

13 Feb 2017

Malaria mosquitoes exhibit similar sensitivity to heat and horseradish

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have taken an important step on the road to understanding the underlying mechanism of how and why animals can feel pain in connection with cold or heat. However, according to the study, temperature is just one triggering factor – horseradish, mustard, cinnamon and wasabi have a similar effect.

10 Feb 2017

Scientists discover reason behind mosquitoes’ attraction towards people with malaria

Malaria mosquitoes prefer to feed -- and feed more -- on blood from people infected with malaria. Researchers from Stockholm University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and KTH Royal Institute of Technology have discovered why.

9 Feb 2017

Mosquito research receives major grant to accelerate development of new vector control tools

LSTM's Department of Vector Biology has received a major grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for a research programme to develop novel test protocols to accelerate development and bring to market, the next generation of vector control products.

9 Feb 2017

Forecasting using satellite images can help choose cost-effective responses to control malaria

Umeå University researcher Maquins Sewe has established links between patterns of malaria in Kenya and environmental factors (temperature, rainfall and land cover) measurable by satellite imagery.

7 Feb 2017

EXASOL and PATH collaborate to support Zambian government’s campaign to eliminate malaria

EXASOL, a high-performance in-memory analytic database developer, and PATH, an international nonprofit organization and global leader in health and innovation, today announced a partnership to support the Zambian government’s ambitious campaign to eliminate malaria by 2020.

2 Feb 2017

Mathematical models can effectively predict and track malaria transmission

One of the most common infectious diseases in the world, malaria causes public health problems and depresses the economy of infected areas. When untreated or treated improperly, the disease can result in fatalities.

24 Jan 2017

Global leaders announce launch of new council to help eradicate malaria

Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Ray Chambers, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Health in Agenda 2030 and for Malaria, today announced the launch of the End Malaria Council, a group of influential public and private sector leaders who aim to ensure malaria eradication remains a top global priority.

20 Jan 2017

Penn researchers discover antimicrobial that thwarts Zika viral entry into human cells

A panel of small molecules that inhibit Zika virus infection, including one that stands out as a potent inhibitor of Zika viral entry into relevant human cell types, was discovered by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

17 Jan 2017

Yale researchers discover how tick-borne bacteria cause infection

Before infecting humans, tick-borne bacteria or viruses first have to get past a tick's defenses to colonize it.

17 Jan 2017

Cattle-based vector control efforts may help eradicate malaria in India

The goal of eliminating malaria in countries like India could be more achievable if mosquito-control efforts take into account the relationship between mosquitoes and cattle, according to an international team of researchers.

16 Jan 2017

Diet and exercise can help lessen damage caused by malaria, UTA study suggests

The right amount of diet and exercise can help lessen damage to the heart and skeletal muscles brought on by malaria, according to a new UTA study.

12 Jan 2017

Dermatologist offers tips to help soothe itchy skin

Everyone gets an itch once in a while. Usually it only lasts for a short time and is often caused by annoyances like a mosquito bite or scratchy fabric.

10 Jan 2017

Researchers find high-resolution structure of immature Zika virus

Researchers at Purdue University have determined the high-resolution structure of immature Zika virus, a step toward better understanding how the virus infects host cells and spreads.

10 Jan 2017

Socioeconomic factors in the U.S. make large-scale Zika outbreaks unlikely, new analysis suggests

Is the United States at risk for a large-scale outbreak of Zika or other mosquito-borne disease? While climate conditions in the U.S. are increasingly favorable to mosquitos, socioeconomic factors such as access to clean water and air conditioning make large-scale outbreaks unlikely, according to new analysis of existing research--but small-scale, localized outbreaks are an ongoing concern.

3 Jan 2017

Scientists develop safe, effective vaccine for chikungunya fever from insect-specific virus

Researchers from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have developed the first vaccine for chikungunya fever made from an insect-specific virus that doesn't have any effect on people, making the vaccine safe and effective.

20 Dec 2016

Zika-linked abnormalities in fetuses more extensive and severe than previously thought

New UCLA-led research finds that Zika-linked abnormalities that occur in human fetuses are more extensive — and severe — than previously thought, with 46 percent of 125 pregnancies among Zika-infected women resulting in birth defects in newborns or ending in fetal death.

16 Dec 2016

New study suggests potential new approach to combat spread of malaria

Disruption of hormone signaling in mosquitoes may reduce their ability to transmit the parasite that causes malaria, according to a new study published in PLOS Pathogens. The findings suggest a potential new approach to combat spread of the disease.