Mosquito

Environmental modification has a flow-on effect on natural ecosystems, including the insects that carry disease. For the first time, researchers have shown how environmental change affects the transmission of insect-borne diseases.

For studies on insect-borne diseases, many a human has sacrificed an arm in a tank full of mosquitos. Now, a new artificial skin filled with real blood might spare humans the itchy bites, while providing a greater insight into mosquito behavior.

Thermacell has once again grown its lineup of mosquito repellers, fitting a radiant light to its E55 battery-powered repeller to create the all-new EL55. The new model creates a 20-foot mosquito-free zone while adding some ambient light to the table.

Mosquito repellent is a key weapon to keep those biting bugs at bay, but it can be frustratingly fickle. Now researchers in Italy have developed new formulations that they say can last as long as eight hours, are odorless and boast other advantages.

In order to better understand how mosquitoes spread diseases such as malaria, it's important to know how far they range within a given region. A new technique could help scientists do so, and it involves feeding the insects DNA.

Scientists have studied what makes mosquitoes more attracted to some humans over others, and uncovered strong association between being a so-called mosquito magnet and elevated levels of a fatty acids on the skin.

When it comes to keeping mosquitoes from spreading malaria, some 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's gut.

Researchers have discovered how some viruses can alter the smell of their host in order to attract mosquitoes. A study found dengue and Zika viruses can alter a host’s skin microbiome to enhance the volume of odor molecules that draw in mosquitoes.

Scientists have discovered a highly-promising new weapon that could help counter drug-resistant malaria, demonstrating how a compound can stealthily infiltrate the parasite and causes it to self-destruct.

In many regions, insecticide-impregnated bed nets are utilized not just to keep malaria-carrying mosquitoes from biting, but also to kill them. A new study shows that such nets could be much more effective if a different type of chemical were used.

Thermacell has updated its mosquito-repelling technology for the smart home age. The new Liv system ties together multiple repellers with a smart hub and mobile app, putting up an intelligent mosquito barrier around entire decks and outdoor spaces.

The best method of limiting mosquito-borne diseases is to kill the larvae, but doing so often involves synthetic insecticides. A new study suggests a method of improving the effectiveness of a cheaper, longer-lasting alternative – clove oil.