10 things you probably didn’t know about mosquito laboratories
Scientists at Target Malaria are utilizing specialized laboratory techniques to study mosquitoes in an effort to combat malaria. The process involves delicate genetic modification and monitoring of the mosquito life cycle under controlled conditions.
Why it matters
Malaria remains a significant public health crisis in Africa, and laboratory research into genetically modified mosquitoes offers a potential pathway for disease control.
LIFESTYLE NEWS - Most people know mosquitoes as tiny insects that bite, cause itchy skin and can transmit malaria. Few, however, think about what happens inside the laboratories where scientists spend years studying them.
Behind secure laboratory doors, mosquitoes are carefully raised and studied to help researchers better understand one of Africa's greatest public health challenges - malaria.
In the run-up to World Mosquito Day, Dr Alekos Simoni, Technical Support Specialist at Target Malaria, shared 10 things you may not know about mosquito laboratories.
Every mosquito begins life as an egg. In laboratories, scientists carefully collect eggs and place them in controlled environments where they hatch into larvae before developing into adults.
Every stage of the mosquito life cycle is closely monitored to maintain healthy colonies for research.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in