The mosquito

Transmitting parasites from person to person, the blood-feeding mosquito is the crucial link in the malaria cycle. Explore research into mosquito genetics, the rise of insecticide resistance that has so hampered attempts at control, and attempts to combat this most dangerous of vectors.

News

	New trials for sterile mosquitoes to fight disease A Wellcome Trust Translation Award will help trial a pioneering approach to combat mosquito-borne diseases using genetically sterilised insects. 08/02/10

	Parasite bacteria may help fight spread of mosquito-borne diseases Infecting mosquitoes with a bacterial parasite could help prevent the spread of lymphatic filariasis, a tropical diseases of the developing world. 02/10/09

	Tanzania study re-opens debate on targeting mosquito larvae to control malaria Targeting mosquito larval populations may be an effective intervention to help control malaria in urban situations, a study published today suggests. 31/03/09

	Study reveals the mosquito defence against malaria Research part-funded by the Wellcome Trust has revealed how the mosquito immune system mounts an effective attack on the malaria parasite. The findings could lead to new ways to block the transmission of malaria and other parasites from mosquitoes to humans. 11/03/09

	Scientists identify mosquito genes linked to insecticide resistance Researchers funded by the Wellcome Trust have identified specific mosquito genes associated with resistance to a common class of insecticide. 05/02/09

	Do or die: How selfishness might help eradicate malaria In the fight against insect-borne diseases such as malaria, the use of insects with diminished capability to spread disease is a major potential weapon 30/07/07

	Malaria-resistant mosquitoes thrive in lab Genetically engineered malaria-resistant mosquitoes fare better than their natural counterparts when fed malaria-infected blood. 22/03/07

	Using mosquitoes' sweet tooth against them Mosquitoes' sweet tooth can lure them to insecticide-laced sugar, a new study reports. 21/09/06

	Can Wolbachia help prevent the spread of malaria? Scientists have made a major breakthrough in understanding the genetics of the insect parasite that is being targeted by researchers as a way of preventing the spread of malaria. 25/07/06

	Mosquito immune system factors identified Mosquitoes use the same immune factors to fight off bacterial pathogens as they do to kill malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites. 08/06/06

	Children are more attractive targets for mosquitoes Some children play a more important role in the transmission of malaria because they provide an attractive target for mosquitoes, a new study involving Oxford researchers has revealed. 24/11/05

	Attractive smells: Infected children more attractive to mosquitoes The malaria parasite seems to alter the odours given off by infected children, making them more attractive to mosquitoes. 18/10/05

	New GM mosquito sexing technique Scientists have genetically modified male mosquitoes to express a glowing protein in their gonads, in an advance that allows them to separate the different sexes quickly. 10/10/05

	Edinburgh biologists find fungi to fight malaria Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered an unlikely ally in the fight against malaria. By infecting mosquitoes with fungi, they can drastically reduce transmission of the disease. 07/06/05

	First population study of genetically modified mosquitoes The first laboratory population study of genetically modified mosquitoes identifies issues that need to be faced in the task of turning mosquitoes from disease carriers into disease fighters. 20/02/03