Mosquito-spreading drones could slash the spread of disease

If you’re trying to disperse 300,000 disease-fighting mosquitos per day, using a drone may well be your best bet for doing so. The technology has already been tested in Brazil, where it showed very promising results.Continue ReadingCategory: Drones, Te… Continue reading Mosquito-spreading drones could slash the spread of disease

Mosquito’s own gut bacteria found to inhibit deadly malaria parasite

Researchers have chanced upon a bacteria naturally present in the gut of mosquitoes that inhibits the growth of a parasite that causes the deadliest form of malaria. Unlikely to produce resistance, the bacteria could be easily introduced in the field t… Continue reading Mosquito’s own gut bacteria found to inhibit deadly malaria parasite

Inflammation found to slow the progression of the malaria parasite

It’s not often that inflammation gets a good rap. It’s been linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. But a new study may have uncovered a positive use for the body’s natural response to irritants. Researchers have found that … Continue reading Inflammation found to slow the progression of the malaria parasite

Increasing human footprint influences spread of insect-borne diseases

Much of the Earth has been modified by humans, which has a flow-on effect on natural ecosystems, including the insects that carry disease. For the first time, researchers have examined when and how environmental change affects the transmission of insec… Continue reading Increasing human footprint influences spread of insect-borne diseases

Blood-filled synthetic skin spares human volunteers itchy bites

In an effort to understand and help combat insect-borne diseases, many a human has sacrificed an arm in a tank full of mosquitos. Now, thanks to a new artificial skin impregnated with real blood, researchers might be able to spare humans the itchy bite… Continue reading Blood-filled synthetic skin spares human volunteers itchy bites

Smartphone-connected device uses light to detect malaria – in 10 seconds

While it’s very important to track malaria infections in at-risk populations, drawing and analyzing blood samples can be problematic. A new device is designed to help, as it uses light to detect the disease within a matter of seconds.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading Smartphone-connected device uses light to detect malaria – in 10 seconds

Antibody therapy proves 88% effective at preventing malaria infections

In the first big real-world test for monoclonal antibodies against malaria a new study has reported extraordinarily promising results, with a novel therapy found to be 88.2% effective at preventing infections across a six-month period. The results add … Continue reading Antibody therapy proves 88% effective at preventing malaria infections

Modified mosquitoes die before their malaria parasites become infectious

When it comes to keeping mosquitoes from spreading malaria, some proposed approaches involve killing the insects, or stopping them from acquiring malaria parasites. A new method, however, stunts the growth of the parasites once they’re in the mosquito’… Continue reading Modified mosquitoes die before their malaria parasites become infectious

Antibody to prevent malaria infection aces first human trials

Promising results have been published from a Phase 1 human trial testing a novel antibody treatment designed to prevent malaria infection. Almost every volunteer was protected from infection after being deliberately exposed to malaria, indicating the u… Continue reading Antibody to prevent malaria infection aces first human trials

Compound causes self-destruction of drug-resistant malaria parasites

While improvements continue to be made in anti-malarial drugs and vaccines, the ability of the parasites that cause the disease to mutate and develop resistance to treatment is a chief concern for public health officials. Scientists have discovered a h… Continue reading Compound causes self-destruction of drug-resistant malaria parasites