- by Alison
The number of dengue cases reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) has increased eight-fold since 2000, from 500,000 cases to 4.2 million in 2019. Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes are bringing hope; they reduced dengue case numbers by 77 per cent during a World Mosquito Program…
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- by Alison
For any company developing new vector control tools, receiving an Experimental Use Permit (EUP) from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a significant milestone. For Oxitec, it opens the way for field testing its genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Florida and Texas. Oxitec’s…
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- by Alison
Antibodies. Genes. Bacteria. Artificial Intelligence. Satellites. Drones. New technologies are being deployed in new ways in the fight against dengue. While some are halting the vector in its tracks, others are tackling the dengue virus. Some are already in use; others are experimental. Let’s look…
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- by Alison
Insecticide resistance is growing; ‘biological control’ of mosquitoes is becoming more commonplace in response. Communities are increasingly employing small creatures to help in their fight against dengue. Previously, we’ve looked at how people in Cambodia have used guppy fish, and also tried using crustaceans, to…
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- by Alison
In the first of our two-part series looking at Oxitec’s 2nd generation Friendly™ Mosquito technology, Grey Frandsen, Oxitec’s CEO, explained their self-limiting mosquitoes potential to fight dengue. In this second part, Frandsen shares news on developments in Brazil, explains why public engagement is so important…
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- by Alison
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are spreading across the globe, increasing the number of people at risk from mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue. Their expansion is largely due to human movement and climate change. Scientists are using statistical modelling techniques to show how Aedes is spreading.…
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- by Alison
Aedes mosquitoes continue to expand their reach around the globe. Halting the spread of this nuisance is one piece of the jigsaw in the complex fight against dengue. Preventing these vectors from transmitting the virus is another. And that is exactly what the World Mosquito…
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- by Alison
With our climate warming, Aedes mosquitoes are spreading to new locations across the globe. The risk of dengue and other vector-borne diseases is rising. To fight back, scientist across the world are coming up with novel strategies for combatting the mosquito and the disease. Let’s…
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- by Alison
The Tokyo Olympics and other mass gatherings provide the perfect opportunity for many dangerous vectors. Sporting, religious and cultural events often attract large numbers of people from different parts of the world, bringing with them both vectors themselves and the viruses they carry. With Tokyo’s…
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- by Alison
Why do mosquitoes love me so much? Ever thought you are more attractive to mosquitoes than your companions? Are you always the one covered in bites? There is a scientific reason why. Researchers in Kenya have been investigating what makes victims attractive to mosquitoes. Their…
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