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.

  • Carrolade@lemmy.world
    4·
    5 days ago

    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.

    • plantteacher@mander.xyzOP
      2·
      4 days 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.

  • disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world
    4·
    5 days ago

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

    • plantteacher@mander.xyzOP
      3·
      5 days ago

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