Mosquito News and Research

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Study reveals how Zika virus hijacks host protein for reproduction

The mosquito-borne Zika virus is known for causing microcephaly, a birth defect in which abnormal brain development results in a smaller-than-expected head.

13 Jan 2025

T cells can completely prevent viral infections in humans

Scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School and the Singapore General Hospital have discovered that T cells-white blood cells that can destroy harmful pathogens-can completely prevent viral infection, to an extent previously thought only possible due to neutralizing antibodies.

10 Jan 2025

Single-dose malaria vaccine offers unprecedented 90% protection

Results from the malaria vaccine trial indicate that GA2 immunization provides significant protection, paving the way for more effective vaccination strategies.

8 Jan 2025

Innovative biocontrol technique targets female insects to control mosquito-borne diseases

A genetic biocontrol method which reduces the lifespan of female insects could work as fast as pesticides to reduce populations of disease-spreading mosquitoes and destructive crop pests, according to researchers.

7 Jan 2025

Holistic approach needed to combat malaria in sub-Saharan Africa

From fixing open gutters to educating kids about the importance of bed nets, a “whole-of-society” approach is needed to successfully shut down malaria, according to Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO of RBM Partnership to End Malaria—a global grouping of over 500 organisations dedicated to fighting the disease.

2 Jan 2025

New target identified for malaria treatment

Malaria, caused by a parasite transmitted to humans through an infected mosquito's bite, is a leading cause of illness and death worldwide.

18 Dec 2024

WHO urges equitable action to end malaria burden

New data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that an estimated 2.2 billion cases of malaria and 12.7 million deaths have been averted since 2000, but the disease remains a serious global health threat, particularly in the WHO African Region.

11 Dec 2024

How measles, whooping cough, and worse could roar back on RFK Jr.’s watch

The availability of safe, effective covid vaccines less than a year into the pandemic marked a high point in the 300-year history of vaccination, seemingly heralding an age of protection against infectious diseases.

6 Dec 2024

Chikungunya's health and economic impact likely underestimated

This study assesses chikungunya's health and economic impacts, revealing significant burdens on health systems and a global cost of approximately $49.9 billion.

5 Dec 2024

Advanced modeling unveils hidden costs of global chikungunya infection

The health and financial implications of the emerging threat of mosquito-borne chikungunya viral infection have most likely been significantly underestimated, with total costs probably approaching US$ 50 billion in 2011-20 alone, suggests a comprehensive data analysis, published in the open access journal BMJ Global Health.

4 Dec 2024

A roadmap for understanding antimalarial drug resistance

Researchers at University of California San Diego analyzed the genomes of hundreds of malaria parasites to determine which genetic variants are most likely to confer drug resistance.

28 Nov 2024

Research paves the way for genetic control of disease-spreading ticks

Research collaboration by the Texas A&M Department of Entomology and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, creates potential for genetic tools to control disease-spreading ticks.

27 Nov 2024

Researchers explore the power of podcasts in fighting infectious disease misinformation

With legacy media cutting staff in the face of unprecedented financial challenges and critical science and health information scattered among unfamiliar digital platforms, how can people keep up with medical issues that might affect them?

27 Nov 2024

Late-liver-stage malaria vaccine delivers 89% protection and boosts cellular immunity

Genetically attenuated malaria parasites with extended liver-stage arrest (GA2) showed 89% protection in a clinical trial, surpassing earlier vaccine candidates and highlighting the potential of cellular immunity.

26 Nov 2024

Rising waters, rising risks: The health impact of climate-driven floods

Flooding, driven by climate change, poses escalating health risks globally, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations while demanding innovative prevention, preparedness, and recovery strategies.

26 Nov 2024

Rising temperatures fuel global spread of dengue infections

Climate change is having a massive global impact on dengue transmission, accounting for 19% of the current dengue burden, with a potential to spark an additional 40%-60% spike by 2050 - and by as much as 150%-200% in some areas - according to a new study presented today at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH).

18 Nov 2024

California dengue cases prompt swift response from public health officials

Jason Farned and his team at the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District had spent years preparing for the likely arrival of dengue, a dangerous virus typically found in tropical climates outside the mainland United States.

12 Nov 2024

Research suggests no need for yellow fever vaccine booster after initial dose

Research shows a single yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong immunity, with breakthrough infections being rare, supporting WHO guidelines on vaccination.

11 Nov 2024

WHO calls for health-centered climate action at COP29

Ahead of the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku (COP29), the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for an end to reliance on fossil fuels and advocates for people-centred adaptation and resilience.

7 Nov 2024

Urgent need to shift focus from fossil fuels to health

As multiple health threats from climate change break dangerous new records, the 2024 Report of The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change calls for the trillions of dollars spent funding fossil fuels to be redirected and used to drive a rapid and fair transition to a net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) economy, instead of harming the health of billions of people across the world.

30 Oct 2024