A new method to control malaria-carrying mosquitoes developed by researchers from the Hebrew University was successfully tested in Mali, West Africa
Malaria is a common disease caused by parasites and transmitted by mosquito bites and results in the death of nearly two million people every year, many of them residents of sub-Saharan Africa. However, a recent experiment gives hope that it will soon be possible to curb the spread of the disease.
Researchers from the Hebrew University proved the effectiveness of the new method they developed in an experiment conducted in Africa. The method has been proven to be simple and environmentally friendly and capable of bringing about a significant reduction in the population of malaria-carrying mosquitoes in infected areas of the world.
The experiment, the results of which were published in the Malaria Journal, was based on a method developed by Prof. Yosef Schlein and Dr. Gunther Miller from the Kovin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and the Israel-Canada Medical Research Center at the Hebrew University, as well as by other scientists from the United States and Mali. The study showed how attracting mosquitoes to vegetation (fruit or flowers) sprayed with toxic sugar can reduce the population of malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
The use of the substance developed by the researchers, a bait containing plant material that attracts mosquitoes, an insecticide and sugar (ATSB - Attractive Toxic Bait), has shown success in reducing the population of malaria-carrying mosquitoes in the semi-arid region of Bandiagara in Mali, which is located in West Africa. The research was done in villages where artificial water bodies formed the natural breeding environment for Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis mosquito larvae. The researchers used guavas and honeydew melons, local fruits found to be attractive to both types of mosquitoes, in order to prepare solutions of bait, sugar and food coloring (the control solution) and a similar solution that also includes an insecticide (the experimental solution).
As a result of spraying the experimental solution, the amount of mosquitoes was reduced by 90% and it remained low the following month. Also, the researchers found that the females in the limited population were often too young to be carriers of malaria. At the control site where the non-toxic solution was sprayed, the food coloring that "colored" the mosquitoes provided proof that most of the mosquitoes were feeding on the sprayed solutions.
The researchers concluded from the study in Mali that even a one-time spraying of the solution with the toxic additive can significantly reduce the populations of malaria-carrying mosquitoes and shorten their days. "It is likely that this method will be used as a new and powerful tool for eradicating malaria-carrying insect populations, since the method is very effective for eradicating mosquitoes, technologically simple, cheap and environmentally friendly," says Prof. Shaline.
The activity in Mali is funded through the funding fund for early research by Bill and Melinda Gates, and this research can pave the way for larger efforts in African countries. "This is one of the new ways to eradicate the population of malaria-carrying insects in Africa, and the use of sugary insecticidal bait in outdoor environments can complement the current steps to eliminate mosquitoes inside homes," adds Prof. Shelin.
13 תגובות
blender:
Not only did I understand you but I can write a computer program that simulates you.
Of course I won't because nobody needs you.
You did not understand me
Read again
expert:
I mean exactly what I wrote.
what did not you understand?
"Regarding other insects - I don't think the issue has been examined, but if you have to choose between them and humans - it is clear to me what the choice should be."
So you recommend eliminating the entire plant pollinator population?
I am:
come on!
Want another example?
You could write the same about the efforts being made to stop the wars and acts of genocide going on there.
Nir:
Do you really think you answered my question?
Read again!
The difference is substantial in terms of numbers.
Michael, Mr. Gates donated a huge fortune of his money only after he had done more than enough for his house, and as for the technical matter - there is no need to spread a lot of mosquitoes here (Haifa and many other sites in the country), they do it very well themselves.
Nir:
Do you really think that in the eyes of Bill Gates, the prickly pears of your city that just itch here and there are ahead of the prickly pears of Africa that die of malaria?
It is also clear that from a technical point of view it is much easier to test the effectiveness of anti-mosquito measures in a place where there are many mosquitoes. Would you like to spread a lot of mosquitoes in your city just for research purposes?
Yigal G.:
All pest control measures may lose their effect in many days. Not sure it will happen but let's say it really will. Do you see no point in a solution that is only good for a certain time? By the way - the method can be extended to other poisons as well.
In relation to other insects - I don't think the issue has been examined, but if you have to choose between them and humans - it is clear to me what the choice should be.
I am:
It doesn't belong.
After all, you could have written exactly the same thing in an article that discusses measures to prevent road accidents.
Another difficulty and point.
And all the children who survive the fever, will grow up, become adults, and then what? Is there work for them? Are there any plans for what to do with all the millions that will be added to this miserable continent?
Not that the children should be allowed to continue to die from this fever, but at the same time, if they do not also take care of a logical continuation (such as birth control and family planning), then in 20 years, the economic pressure will cause a bloodbath carried out by the same women who survived the malaria. And in Africa every bad prediction is the one that comes true (unfortunately).
First of all, congratulations to the researchers and the Gates Foundation!
Legal:
1) People precede mosquitoes. Don't get confused.
2. Even DDT can bring a blessing. In Israel, malaria was eradicated together with Anopheles. Will you deny the Africans what you want for yourself? Yes, and it's a pity for the animals in the swamps... what to do and in those days there were no selective substances.
3. Although there is no data in the article about the specificity of the materials and the bait (which is a shame), I hope that the materials that are the least harmful to the environment have been chosen.
4. Future proofing will always evolve. If you get sick, won't you take antibiotics to prevent the theoretical possibility that your body will develop the same resistance that will spread throughout the world? When you reach the bridge, cross it.
5. I had malaria in Africa and it's not pleasant. Definately not. And kids die because that's what matters.
And what about the mosquitoes that will develop resistance to the poison? And what about other animals that eat flowers (especially insects)?
Congratulations, but this experiment could have been carried out in Israel as well, on 'just' mosquitoes, and on Asian tigers, and only then moved away to Africa (it would probably work regardless of malaria).
The thorns of your previous city!