Sunday, April 04, 2010

Mosquitoes Transition from Pest into Hero


Researchers in Tokyo, Japan are collaborating on genetically modified mosquitoes - turning them essentially into "flying vaccinators".

A new study shows real promise for turning the reviled insects into heroes by genetically modifying their saliva so that it contained a protein that would act as a vaccine against leishmaniasis, a sandfly-borne disease that triggers terrible skin sores and can be fatal.

Similarly the mosquitoes could be used to help combat malaria and other vector-borne diseases.

Associate Professor, Shigeto Yoshida, who has led the research says that "it is good because they don't charge you for vaccinations...you would be vaccinated without even noticing. You wouldn't need any drug and you wouldn't need to show up at a designated place for mass vaccinations."

To learn more about this fascinating research being conducted in Japan, read the following article posted by the Associated Foreign Press.

- Tiffanie Depew

SOURCE: Associated Foreign Press