mosquito – Shamskm: A site to exchange knowledge and solutions

Why do mosquitoes choose us? Lindy McBride is on the case

By Guest PostMarch 28, 2019Healthbite, carolyn lindy mcbride, meredith mihalopoulos, mosquito, nyscf robertson investigator, west nile virus, zika mosquito

Few animals specialize as thoroughly as the mosquitoes that carry diseases like Zika, malaria and dengue fever.

In fact, of the more than 3,000 mosquito species in the world, most are opportunistic, said Carolyn “Lindy” McBride, an assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and the Princeton Neuroscience Institute. They may be mammal biters, or bird biters, with a mild preference for various species within those categories, but most mosquitoes are neither totally indiscriminate nor species-specific. But she is most interested in the mosquitoes that scientists call “disease vectors” — carriers of diseases that plague humans — some of which have evolved to bite humans almost exclusively. (more…)

Looking to mosquitoes for a way to develop painless microneedles

By Guest PostSeptember 22, 2018Healthbharat bhushan, dev gurera, mosquito, nanoindentation, painless microneedle

Research finds four keys to piercing skin without hurting

A mosquito can insert a needle-like probe into your skin and draw blood for several minutes without you even noticing.

Researchers at The Ohio State University believe we can learn from nature’s design of the mosquito to create a painless microneedle for medical purposes. (more…)

New Findings of Endangered Birds at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Give Hope to Recovery Efforts

By Guest PostJune 27, 2012Environment, Natureakiapolaau, american people, avian disease, avian malaria, awehi stream, carter t atkinson, climate change, endangered birds, endangered species, extinction, forest bird survey, forest habitat, hakalau forest, hawaii akepa, hawaii creeper, hawaii island, hawaiian forest birds, high elevation rainforest, marcia mcnutt, mauna kea, mosquito, pacific island ecosystems, plants, pox virus, robyn thorson, steve kendall, U.S. Geological Survey, usgs, wildlife, wildlife refuge

HAWAI’I ISLAND, Hawai‘’— Three of Hawai’i Island’s rarest endangered forest birds have been detected at lower elevations of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge for the first time in 30 years.

The rediscovery of the three endangered species at lower elevations than expected was part of a joint U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey project on the potential impact of climate change on avian disease. All three species are believed to be highly susceptible to mosquito-transmitted diseases, limiting their distribution to the cooler, higher elevations of the refuge. These new observations significantly extend the current known range of these species at the refuge. (more…)

Crocodiles 168 Times More Dangerous Than Sharks

By PravdaDecember 14, 2010General, Natureakvatoria, angola, bandundu, bees, cancun, cockpit, congo, croc attacks, crocodiles, daniel philemotte, elephants, hendrik coetzee, hippos, kinshansa, lagoon, lauren faille, malaria, marine animals, Mexico, mosquito, predators, salt water crocodile, shark attacks, sharks, south african guide, stewardess, threat to humans, ukraine, yalta

The fears connected with shark attacks are stronger in the world today than those related to much more dangerous predators – crocodiles. However, crocodiles pose a greater threat to humans than sharks do.

A crocodile snatched Hendrik Coetzee, a South African guide, 35, from his kayak while he led an American expedition into the heart of Congo last week. Two American tourists could only watch the scene in horror as the guide was killed and eaten by the predator. They paddled to safety unharmed. Coetzee’s body has not been recovered.

Stories about croc attacks are just as terrible as they are hopeless. Experts say that it is possible to stay to fight off a shark, but it is much more difficult or even impossible to rescue themselves from an attacking croc. (more…)

Tag Archives: mosquito

Why do mosquitoes choose us? Lindy McBride is on the case

Looking to mosquitoes for a way to develop painless microneedles

New Findings of Endangered Birds at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Give Hope to Recovery Efforts

Crocodiles 168 Times More Dangerous Than Sharks