this post was submitted on 14 Dec 2024
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Using mosquitos to deliver Malaria vaccines (www.npr.org)
submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
5 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Here is a more recent article (since BBC is talking about it today):

https://www.sciencealert.com/promising-new-malaria-vaccine-can-be-injected-by-mosquito-bite

I always thought no good comes from mosquitos, as they are a parasite that is wholly detrimental to other organisms. If that whole specie were to go extinct, I would celebrate. Now I have to reconsider.

I also have to wonder how vegans take this news. It’s a case of humans exploiting non-humans, but AFAICT it’s turning a wholly harmful non-respectable organism into a beneficial one.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Minor tangential point, but they're a major prey animal for things like dragonflies and certain birds. Probably due to their large numbers and rather inept flying abilities.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

And bats, which pollenate agave, which makes them important to tequila production. So I do have to retract what I said about mosquitos having no benefit.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Oh boy. I can already hear the conspiracy anti-vaxxers freaking out over the concept of engineered mosquitoes delivering vaccines.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I suppose the response is to give them links to mosquito repellents and mosquito nets.. tell them they are still in control.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

They’ll use enough DEET to reduce the number of small birds, fish, frogs, lizards, etc. in their area.