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LA County’s latest weapon against biting mosquitoes is more mosquitoes

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In the town of Bassett, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is releasing about 480,000 male mosquitoes to shrink the population of an invasive mosquito that bites.

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Get started with Mosquito!

Click below to download the PDF files for each part of the community research guide or the entire module. Follow the instructions in the research guide for each task. The guide will tell you when to go to the additional resources for that task. You can find additional task resources in the appendix of the pdf or through Smithsonian's Learning Lab below.

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Mosquito! How Can We Ensure Health For All From Mosquito-borne Diseases?

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Get started with Mosquito! Click below to download the PDF files for each part of the community research guide or the entire module. Follow the instructions in the research guide for each task. The guide will tell you when to go to the additional resources for that task.

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Sterile Insect Technique in the San Gabriel Valley

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Sterile Insect Technique in the San Gabriel Valley

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Half a million sterile mosquitoes might save the SGV | KCRW

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San Gabriel Valley’s Mosquito and Vector Control is releasing thousands of sterile mosquitoes every week this summer to stave off an invasive species.

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Educational Resources

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LIFE HISTORIES AND OTHER BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS ENABLING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AEDES ALBOPICTUS IN THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

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LIFE HISTORIES AND OTHER BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS ENABLING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AEDES ALBOPICTUS IN THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

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Mosquito identification and pathogen information

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Mosquito identification and pathogen information

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There are around 3,500 species of mosquitoes in the world. Of all of them, a few are responsible for the transmission of pathogens and parasites to humans and animals. Still, predictions indicate that more than half of the human population is exposed to the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases.

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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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subscribe to Short Wave podcast

subscribe to Short Wave podcast

Adriana Briscoe, a professor of biology and ecology at UC Irvine, studies vision in butterflies. Turns out, butterflies are really cool. For instance, they can be trained to detect light of a certain color - which she's done as part of her research.

Adriana also answers questions you might've never thought to ask like: Why they bask in the sunlight? And why do some of them have 'hearts' in their wings?

Plus, you'll never guess where their photoreceptors are.

We also discuss the importance of teachers and mentors in diversifying the STEM fields, which Adriana has written about.

Email the show at shortwave@npr.org.
This episode was produced by Rebecca Ramirez and Brent Baughman, edited by Deb George, and fact-checked by Rebecca Ramirez.

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Butterflies Have Hearts In Their Wings. You'll Never Guess Where They Have Eyes : Short Wave

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Adriana Briscoe, a professor of biology and ecology at UC Irvine, studies vision in butterflies. As part of her research, she's trained them to detect light of a certain color. She also explains why they bask in the sunlight, and why some of them have 'hearts' in their wings. Plus ...

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subscribe to Short Wave podcast

subscribe to Short Wave podcast

Deforestation has gotten worse under the pandemic. With the coronavirus occupying global attention, there's less regulation of logging and mining operations. It's worrisome news, because scientists are discovering a strong correlation between deforestation and disease outbreaks.

A 2017 paper linked recent forest loss to 25 Ebola outbreaks that have occurred since 1976.

NPR national correspondent Nathan Rott speaks with Short Wave reporter Emily Kwong about the challenges faced by tropical forests - environments rich in biodiversity. Human activity is fragmenting those habitats. How does that result in an increased risk of animals-borne diseases transmitting to humans? And what can be done to protect those forests?

You can read Nathan Rott's reporting on the link between deforestation and disease here.

Follow Nathan Rott on Twitter at @NathanRott and Emily Kwong at @emilykwong1234. Email the show at shortwave@npr.org.
This episode was produced by Abby Wendle, fact-checked by Emily Kwong, and edited by Viet Le.
Correction

In a previous version of this podcast, we incorrectly said that the 2013 Ebola outbreak likely started when a boy played near a tree filled with fruit bats. Scientists believe the tree was actually infested with insectivorous bats.

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The Link Between Deforestation and Disease : Short Wave

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subscribe to Short Wave podcast subscribe to Short Wave podcast Deforestation has gotten worse under the pandemic. With the coronavirus occupying global attention, there's less regulation of logging and mining operations. It's worrisome news, because scientists are discovering a strong correlation between deforestation and disease outbreaks.

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Explorer Classroom connects classrooms around the world with National Geographic Explorers, bringing science, exploration, and conservation to life through live video events. Students have the opportunity to ask the explorer their questions directly. Each month Explorer Classroom features a new theme and provides supporting resources for educators.

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When's the best time to kill mosquitoes?

While they're making love-at sunset.

No kidding.

This is just one of many fascinating discoveries being made at a place called Mosquito City. Located in the swamplands of central Tanzania, the "city" is home to the world's largest captive colony of mosquitoes used for researching ways to combat malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Day and night scientists work to better understand mosquito behavior (like when and where they enjoy having sex) as well as cutting-edge approaches to trap, repel, and most importantly, kill them.

I first learned about Mosquito City during a trip to Africa several years ago when I met scientists from Ifakara Health Institute, a Tanzanian health research organization which runs the site. While I haven't had the opportunity to visit, Fredros Okumu, Ifakara's chief scientist, offered a behind-the-scenes look at some of the research underway there in this video. If you're wondering how they get enough blood to feed all the mosquitoes, watch for the moment when Fredros puts his arm in a cage containing more than 500 very hungry mosquitoes for a feed! (For larger mosquito colonies, too big for one human to feed, a cow is on the mosquitoes' dinner menu.)

Mosquito City is located in a region of Tanzania that's hot, humid, and swampy. In other words-perfect conditions for its primary residents. Malaria has been so widespread in this part of the country-once infecting 80 percent of the population-that one meaning of the name of the local town, Ifakara, is, "the place people go to die."

Fortunately, malaria deaths are on the decline in recent years. One reason is the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, which remain one of the most effective means to control the disease. (New bed net distribution efforts like the one that just launched in Benin are helping to ensure every person at risk of malaria is protected by one.)

Still, much more needs to be done to fight the disease, especially as mosquitoes become resistant to some of the pesticides used to control them. That's why scientists at Mosquito City are working to better understand mosquito behaviors and find ways to outsmart them.

"It's kind of a love- hate relationship. If you can't beat them, you join them for now, but then you can kill them from the inside. And that's what we try to do here at the Mosquito City," Fredros says.

Fredros and his team are studying one of the deadliest mosquito species, Anoph e les funestus. In southeastern Tanzania, it is responsible for nearly 9 out of every 10 cases of malaria even though other species of mosquito are far more common. And yet, it is one of the least understood species of mosquitoes because it is difficult to raise in a lab environment. Our foundation is supporting the Ifakara Health Institute's research into its behavior so they can mount a targeted campaign against them.

One promising approach may be killing them while they are mating. Ifakara scientists learned that mosquitoes, including Anoph e les funestus, have favorite locations-like rice fields, trash heaps, and banana trees-to mate. The male mosquitoes appear at their favorite mating spots at sunset to begin a ritualistic flight dance, drawing in the females. Because these mating events occur at predictable times and locations, researchers are experimenting with regularly targeting these swarms with pesticides, dramatically reducing the mosquito populations and malaria transmission.

As the researchers dig deeper into the unique characteristics of different mosquito species, it's become more important to be able to quickly identify them. Once they understand which species is posing the greatest threat, they can choose the best methods to eliminate them. But identifying mosquito species and other indicators, like age, can be a laborious process. At Mosquito City, scientists are working on some alternative identification approaches that would accelerate their research. One is to use their buzzing sound to identify them. Another option uses infrared spectroscopy. Mosquitoes have a unique electromagnetic signal. By crushing the abdomens of mosquitoes and analyzing them under a spectrometer, researchers can identify the species and age of the mosquito.

Many of the innovations coming out of Mosquito City are designed to meet the immediate needs of the local community, who work in small farming villages and spend most of their day outdoors. Researchers have developed a variety of mosquito traps, some mimicking the odor of sweaty feet, a smell that mosquitoes find irresistible. They've created a range of mosquito repellents too, including furniture treated with repellent that allows people to sit outside in the evening and stay protected. They've even developed a line of sandals which will keep mosquitoes at bay from the sweatiest feet, protecting their owner from bites.

What will the team at Mosquito City think of next? I can't wait to find out.

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When's the best time to kill mosquitoes? While they're making love-at sunset. No kidding. This is just one of many fascinating discoveries being made at a place called Mosquito City. Located in the swamplands of central Tanzania, the "city" is home to the world's largest captive colony of mosquitoes used for researching ways to combat malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.

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High School Content

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Wasps to Human Surgery: Inspiration from Nature

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Why are there so many insects? - Murry Gans

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2:49

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Do we really need pesticides? - Fernan Pérez-Gálvez

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Climate change: Earth's giant game of Tetris - Joss Fong

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Science Lessons based on the Antartica

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Home Research Publications Science Ed/Outreach Opportunities About Us

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Firebrats and silverfish

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Firebrats and Silverfish Are Rocking Some Old-School Looks | Deep Look

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A guide to the energy of the Earth - Joshua M. Sneideman

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Prevention of Dengue Fever: An Exploratory School-Community Intervention Involving Students Empowered as Change Agents∗

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Prevention of Dengue Fever: An Exploratory School-Community Intervention Involving Students Empowered as Change Agents∗

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Educating Children Effective for Mosquito Control

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Find Next Gen STEM learning opportunities for students in multiple settings - in school, afterschool programs informal institutions like museums and science centers, and at home.

NASA Express Newsletter Sign-up

Are you looking for the latest NASA resources for teachers, parents, caregivers, and students? Subscribe to the NASA EXPRESS newsletter to get the latest NASA STEM opportunities delivered to your inbox every Thursday.

Learn More about NASA Express Newsletter Sign-up

get social with nasa stem engagement

Discover More STEM Topics From NASA

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NASA offers a wide array of unique experiences for educators designed to engage K-12 students nationwide in the agency's missions, people, and resources.

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Resources For Lesson Plan For Science | PBS LearningMedia

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Discover free resources designed for your lesson plan for science. Explore natural phenomena and scientific practices with videos, games, and activities for all grades.

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Fantastic Fleas

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A Flea's Fantastic Jump Takes More Than Muscle | Deep Look

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Why is biodiversity so important? - Kim Preshoff

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Season 3 Episode 10 | 2m 55s |

Seen up close, the anatomy of a mosquito bite is terrifying. The most dangerous animal in the world uses six needle-like mouthparts to saw into our skin, tap a blood vessel and sometimes leave a dangerous parting gift.

Aired: 07/13/16

Rating: NR

From:

Problems Playing Video? Report a Problem |

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Deep Look | How Mosquitoes Use Six Needles to Suck Your Blood | Season 3 | Episode 10

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Season 3 Episode 10 | 2m 55s | Seen up close, the anatomy of a mosquito bite is terrifying. The most dangerous animal in the world uses six needle-like mouthparts to saw into our skin, tap a blood vessel and sometimes leave a dangerous parting gift. Aired: 07/13/16 Rating: NR Problems Playing Video?

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The loathsome, lethal mosquito - Rose Eveleth

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It couldn't be easier to join the adventure and take part in BackyardBio! The program is a fun and easy activity to get your family or students exploring biodiversity and sharing their passion for nature with the world!

Spend part of the month of May getting outside and exploring your backyard, front yard, neighbourhood, school yard, local parks and conservation areas to find as many different species of plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, mammals, crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, fungi (you name it!) as you can. This can be a big family or classroom project or just ten minutes looking and listening to see what you discover - every minute engaging with the natural world is valuable! Take photos of everything you see!

There are three ways to take part and share what you discovered!

Sharing your images all month long on Twitter or Instagram with #backyardbio is the easiest way to take part. It only takes a second, and by following the hashtag you'll get to see other amazing images from around the globe!

These apps will not only help you identify the organisms that live near you but will also connect you to a huge network of naturalists online and allow you to contribute to real citizen science! You'll be able to share images and get feedback from real scientists and other naturalists on what you've discovered!

Now get out there are start taking photos!

Link your iNaturalist account to us by joining our so all your observations are collected in the same spot Here you'll be able to see other observations from around the globe, help ID other pictures and encourage the network to help you learn what you've found and more!

#BackyardBio sighting of the day: an epic struggle between a Crab Spider and a Fly on my way back from work! (It didn't turn out so well for the fly lol) All this just inches from the sidewalk, so cool what you can see when you stay on the lookout for #biodiversity

From @petersoroye

"Dad!" she screamed. I thought my 6yo was suddenly afraid of spiders, but she followed it up with, "you have to take a picture for the seat of your pants people!" Well , here you go! #BackyardBio (Don't stress - we're all about catch & release here, even for spiders)

From @PHPete

Thank you for encouraging the Merrifield Team to get outside and explore

our backyards. We made some wonderful discoveries and enjoyed getting close

to nature.

From @JenMerrifield

Students can also choose to use the Seek app, a version of the iNaturalist app that's a little more kid friendly - like Pokemon Go for Nature!

Observations in Seek can still be uploaded to the #BackyardBio iNaturalist project if they are signed into Seek using an iNaturalist account. Download it

Connecting With Other Classrooms

As classrooms register to take part, we'll connect classrooms from different geographical locations into small groups so they can share the experience throughout the month and have a friendly competition to see who took the most observations and found the most different species! You can connect with your partner groups via emails, google forms, or virtual calls to share photos and stories, we will be happy to assist in anyway we can to make this successful!

This way you can start by exploring the biodiversity near you, then get to compare and contrast and marvel at the living world elsewhere and join forces in navigating through solutions you can run to make a positive difference!

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It couldn't be easier to join the adventure and take part in BackyardBio! The program is a fun and easy activity to get your family or students exploring biodiversity and sharing their passion for nature with the world!

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Life Cycle of the Black-Legged Tick (and Lyme Disease Prevention!)

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Vultures: The acid-puking, plague-busting heroes of the ecosystem - Kenny Coogan