Innovative method to combat dengue fever: drones spread mosquitoes infected with beneficial bacteria, to reduce morbidity in hard-to-reach areas.
Fighting dengue
A new approach to prevention
Scientists have developed an unusual method to combat dengue fever, which affects about 390 million people every year, according to the World Health Organization. The essence of the experiment is to spread mosquitoes infected with bacteria that prevent the development of the disease using drones.
Bacteria against the virus
As part of the study, insects were infected with the bacterium Wolbachia, which blocks the dengue virus. The method differs from previous attempts to use genetically modified mosquitoes that have lost the ability to carry the malaria parasite and find humans as a food source.
Drones for healthcare
A team of researchers led by Ya Sun Ling of the World Mosquito Control Program has developed an insect delivery system with using drones. The drone is capable of carrying up to 160 thousand adult individuals in a special chamber with a controlled microclimate. During the flight, the drone releases groups of 150 mosquitoes, distributing them over a large area.
Successful trials
Field experiments conducted in Fiji have shown the effectiveness of a new method of spreading mosquitoes. The drones were controlled remotely, avoiding the need to work in dangerous jungles. The insects successfully spread the bacteria over an area of two square kilometers.
Prospects for the method
Previous use of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in Indonesia resulted in a 77% reduction in dengue fever incidence. New technology makes it possible to expand coverage of territories to combat the virus. The research results were published in the journal Science Robotics.
Glossary
- Wolbachia is a bacterium that blocks the development of the dengue virus in the body of mosquitoes
- WHO - World Health Organization, the UN specialized agency for health
- WMP - World Mosquito Control Programme, an organization dedicated to developing methods control of mosquito populations
- Fiji is an island nation in Oceania where field trials of a new method were conducted
- Science Robotics - scientific journal, specializing in robotics and automation
Links
Answers to questions
How researchers are trying to fight with dengue fever?
What are the benefits of using drones to spread mosquitoes?
How effective is the method of spreading mosquitoes using drones?
What features does the drone mosquito delivery system have?
What other methods are used to control mosquito-borne diseases?
Hashtags
Save a link to this article
Discussion of the topic – Revolution in the fight against dengue: scientists fly mosquito allies from drones
Researchers conducted an experiment to spread mosquitoes infected with the Wolbachia bacterium using drones to combat dengue fever. This innovative method aims to reduce the number of diseases that affect 390 million people every year according to WHO.
Latest comments
8 comments
Write a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are checked *
Isabella
Wow, science never ceases to amaze! 🤯 Using drones to spread mosquitoes infected with beneficial bacteria is simply genius. Imagine how this could change the fight against dangerous diseases in hard-to-reach regions.
Hans
Indeed, Isabella! It's amazing how technology can help fight disease. I was particularly impressed by the drone's ability to carry 160,000 mosquitoes. I wonder how they solved the problem of keeping insects alive during flight? 🤔
Amelie
Hans, the article mentions a special chamber with controlled temperature and humidity. This is probably the key point! I'm more interested in how they made sure the mosquitoes actually spread evenly? 🦟
Carlos
Amelie, apparently they distribute the mosquitoes in groups of 150. This should ensure even coverage. By the way, a 77% reduction in the spread of dengue fever in Indonesia is an impressive result! 👍
Victor
Nonsense. Now they will also drop mosquitoes from the sky onto our heads. As if there weren't enough problems in the world. It would be better to do something useful instead of wasting money on these pointless experiments.
Olga
Victor, I understand your concern, but this could really save millions of lives! Think about the people in remote areas who suffer from these diseases. This method can be a real salvation for them. 🙏
Hans
I agree with Olga. Victor, you shouldn’t be so skeptical about scientific progress. This research could lead to a revolution in the fight against tropical diseases. Imagine how many people can be saved! 🌍
Isabella
Oh, and don't forget that this is an environmentally friendly way to fight disease. No chemicals, only natural mechanisms. I think this is great! I wonder if they plan to expand this technology to other diseases? 🦠