Scientists are studying ways to make your blood deadly to mosquitos
The new study, Ivermectin to Control Malaria — A Cluster-Randomized Trial, published this month, found that malaria cases dropped by 26 per cent in those who took the medication monthly. Researchers also noted a drop in cases of lice, scabies and bedbugs among participants in the trial.
The study, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, took place in Kwale, a county in coastal Kenya that has a high rate of malaria in spite of such techniques as the use of insecticide-treated nets. Clusters of household areas were assigned to receive mass administration of ivermectin for three months beginning at the start of the rainy season. Children aged 5 to 15 were then tested for malaria infection monthly for 6 months after the first round of treatment.
'Among children 5 to 15 years of age who were living in an area with high coverage and use of bed nets, ivermectin, administered once a month for three consecutive months, resulted in a 26 per cent lower incidence of malaria infection than albendazole (the control drug),' the researchers wrote. They added: 'No safety concerns were identified.'
The researchers note that there were 249 million cases of malaria and 608,000 malaria-related deaths in 2022 alone. 'Interventions targeting the vector, such as long-lasting insecticide-treated nets or indoor residual spraying, remain the cornerstone of malaria control and are responsible for the estimated 81 per cent reduction in disease burden seen in Africa between 2000 and 2015,' they note. ('Vector' refers to an insect such as a mosquito that transmits a disease such as malaria.)
'However, progress has stalled in recent years (due to) emerging resistance to insecticides and behavioural adaptations, such as outdoor and crepuscular biting.'
Ivermectin isn't the only drug being tested as a way to kill mosquitoes with the very thing they feed on. Another recent study investigated the effects of nitisinone, a drug used to treat rare metabolic disorders.
'The authors show that nitisinone targeted a crucial enzyme that mosquitoes need to digest their blood meal,' those researchers write.
'When female Anopheles mosquitoes in the laboratory consumed blood containing nitisinone, the drug was lethal to young, old, and insecticide-resistant populations and outperformed the mosquitocidal drug ivermectin. Even at low therapeutic doses, nitisinone remained deadly to mosquitoes. These findings warrant further investigation of nitisinone for vector control and the prevention of malaria transmission.'
Mosquito season is worse this year, but TikTok user says she has a solution
How to protect yourself from mosquitoes and West Nile virus
Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our newsletters here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
Camilla Luddington reveals Hashimoto's disease diagnosis: ‘Makes you a little slothy'
For actor Camilla Luddington, a recent blood test held the key to understanding her 'slower' and lower-energy demeanor. The 'Grey's Anatomy' star on Wednesday opened up about her health, revealing she has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's disease. In an episode of her and co-star Jessica Capshaw's 'Call It What It Is' podcast, Luddington said she often feels 'slower, tired, [wants] to be in bed' and that 'it never occurred to me that there could be a medical reason for that.' Luddington, 41, told her co-host she had blood work a couple of months ago and her doctor flagged 'one little thing.' Though she was 'a little freaked out' to hear the words 'autoimmune disease' from her doctor, Luddington said they reassured her that Hashimoto's hyperthyroidism is a 'very common' disorder. Hashimoto's disease affects the thyroid gland, which is responsible for producing hormones and regulating many bodily functions, according to the Mayo Clinic. The slow-progressing disease can bring about a range of symptoms including fatigue and sluggishness, increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin, hair loss and weight gain. Luddington said she experienced a handful of the symptoms associated with Hashimoto's, but dismissed them as signs of aging and perimenopause. Relieved to learn the cause of her symptoms, Luddington offered her own understanding of the disorder: 'Makes you a little slothy.' 'I didn't realize how exhausted my body was,' said Luddington, who stars as Dr. Jo Wilson on 'Grey's.' Since receiving her diagnosis, Luddington said she has been taking medication to manage her disorder and has also returned to exercising. During the podcast episode, she and Capshaw also talked about the pitfalls of medical advice from TikTok 'doctors,' and encouraged listeners to share their experiences with autoimmune disorders. Luddington joins several other stars, including 'The Boys' star Erin Moriarty and 'Star Wars' actor Daisy Ridley, who have been open about their autoimmune disorders in recent years.
CNET
2 hours ago
- CNET
Shake Up Your Diet With Clear Whey Protein to Get Closer to Your Fitness Goals
Between all the high-protein snacks, shakes and protein powders, it's no surprise that protein is still a hot topic. If you like using supplements to help achieve your protein quota, then you know how heavy traditional protein shakes can sometimes be, even when mixed with a high-speed blender. Enter, clear whey protein. Clear whey protein is a version of whey protein isolate (a popular protein powder) that undergoes an ultrafiltration process to remove fat, lactose and other components to make it easily digestible. So instead of a thick protein shake, you end up with a nearly transparent beverage with a fruity profile that resembles a sports drink. But is it the right supplement for you and is there a right way to take it? We spoke to a pharmaceutical scientist to learn more about why this supplement is becoming popular and how it compares to its counterpart. Is clear whey protein isolate better than whey protein isolate? Although clear whey protein isn't new on the scene, TikTok has contributed to its recent popularity and sudden interest among active individuals. Seeing all the hype surrounding clear whey protein makes you wonder if it's better than whey protein isolate. Both come from whey protein, the proteins derived from the liquid released from milk. So it comes down to your preferences. 'Both are high-quality, complete proteins rich in leucine and other BCAAs,' explains John-Paul Andersen, a pharmaceutical scientist with a PhD in physiology and pharmacology, and chief science officer at Phi Health. Leucine is one of the three essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with isoleucine and valine, that are vital to muscle growth and repair. He recommends clear whey for post-cardio or hot-weather training, while regular isolate is ideal when you want satiety or are blending it into a smoothie. 'You can rotate or combine them based on your routine and dietary goals," he says. Clear whey protein tends to be a bit more expensive than whey protein isolate because the extra filtration system is a more involved process. How should you take clear whey protein? Clear whey protein comes in powder form, similar to whey protein isolate. Some brands known to make it include GHOST, Myprotein, Isopure and Ascent. It should be mixed with water and ideally taken after a workout. Andersen points out that clear whey protein isolate is best post-workout because that's when amino acid uptake is highest and the body is primed to absorb them quickly to help with muscle repair and recovery. It's also hydrating, which makes it the perfect post-workout drink or a great choice on a hot summer day. Whatever you do, though, even if social media recommends it, don't dry scoop it. Dry scooping is when you down a mouthful of a powdered supplement like pre-workout without mixing it with water first. 'Dry scooping defeats the purpose of its refreshing formulation and can irritate the throat and cause GI discomfort,' warns Andersen. Additionally, if you're planning on taking it before or during your workout, Andersen advises pairing it with carbs for endurance. Otherwise, save it for after your sweat sesh. How to safely take clear whey protein It's safe to take one to two servings of clear whey protein daily for healthy individuals. Keep in mind, excessive intake of any protein source can strain the kidneys, particularly if you have underlying health conditions. Andersen also warns, 'Overconsumption can also cause GI issues like bloating, cramping or loose stools, depending on how the whey was filtered and what flavoring agents are included.' Who is clear whey protein best for? Clear whey protein is perfect for people who don't like protein shakes or their milky disposition when best if you're looking for a refreshing and light hydrating drink that won't leave you stuffed after a workout. Another scenario is if you know you usually don't have an appetite after exercising but want to replenish those nutrients anyway. As long as you don't have dairy allergies or sensitivities, a clear whey protein could be an option to have on hand on those hot summer days. However, sometimes a protein shake made up of whey protein isolate is what you're looking for after a lifting session because you know your next meal won't be for a while, so you need something to hold you over. If you aren't sure if clear whey protein is going to give you issues, some signs to look out for include bloating, gas, nausea or diarrhea. Sometimes the residual lactose, artificial sweeteners or flavor additives can also trigger your stomach. 'If symptoms occur, switching brands, reducing the serving size or using a plant-based alternative may help," recommends Andersen. Takeaway Clear whey protein is a refreshing alternative to regular whey protein, particularly if you want something easily digestible after your workout or if you're a heavy sweater. You can switch up the type of whey protein you take after your workouts, but like most supplements, clear whey protein should be taken alongside a well-balanced diet that works for your lifestyle and needs. Remember, supplements are there to support your diet and won't work properly if your nutrition is lacking in any way.
New York Post
4 hours ago
- New York Post
I went blind after drinking a tainted cocktail while traveling — the scary threat you've never heard of
There could be an undetectable poison lurking in your vacation cocktail. A Canadian woman is warning social media users after she lost her eyesight from sipping a stealthily toxic cocktail overseas — and she says she's one of the lucky ones. In December, seven tourists were hospitalized in Fiji after drinking tainted booze at a luxury resort bar. Just a month earlier, six young travelers, including one American, died in Laos under similar circumstances. Advertisement 6 Ashley King wasn't born blind. She lost her eyesight after drinking a poisoned alcoholic beverage abroad. TikTok / @ashkng Each year, thousands are killed or sickened after unknowingly consuming alcoholic beverages laced with methanol. 'It smells no different and it tastes no different from the alcohol that we typically drink,' explained Ashley King, who lost her vision after drinking tainted booze while backpacking through Bali. Methanol is a clear, flammable liquid that smells almost identical to ethanol — its drinkable cousin — but don't be fooled: it's highly toxic to humans. Advertisement 'Just as little as 30 milliliters of it — a shot — can kill you, and 15 milliliters of it can make you go blind, have organ failure, liver damage and even brain damage,' King warned. The chemical is commonly used in household and industrial products, such as gasoline, antifreeze, paint thinner and windshield wiper fluids. But on the black market, especially in developing countries, it's often dumped into bootleg alcohol to stretch supply and fatten profits. Advertisement That toxic mix is then sold to bars, hotels and other establishments, where it's served to unsuspecting patrons. 6 If ingested, methanol can cause severe health issues. kittisak – 'No different from any other night' That's what happened to King, who was visiting southern Bali in 2011 on a gap year before starting college. She and her friend were at a high-end bar, where she got drunk on vodka cocktails. Advertisement 'It was no different from any other night that I'd had when I was there,' she said. Though she felt hungover the next day, she first suspected something was wrong about two days later when they arrived in Australia. 'I remember talking to the customs people and it was like I was drunk,' she told The Guardian. 'I could not form sentences in a way that sounded confident.' After landing in New Zealand, she went to sleep when they got to their hotel. When she woke up at noon the next day, she was confused to find her hotel room seemed to be totally dark. But it wasn't dark — there was something wrong with her vision. She also couldn't breathe. 6 Ashley (pictured on her gap year in 2011) didn't know anything was wrong with her drink while out with a friend in Bali. Instagram / @ashkng At the hospital, a blood rest revealed methanol in her blood. It was bad enough that doctors were surprised she'd even woken up. 'Losing my eyesight is the hardest thing I've ever gone through, and I deal with it every single day,' King said on TikTok. The hidden danger lurking in your drink Advertisement When methanol enters the body, it turns into formaldehyde and formic acid — both highly toxic — which causes the blood to become dangerously acidic, according to the Methanol Institute. Early symptoms can mimic an ordinary night out drinking: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, poor judgment and drowsiness. But things can go from bad to deadly within 12 to 24 hours of drinking — and in some cases, more severe symptoms take up to 72 hours to surface, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While a normal hangover fades, methanol poisoning only gets worse. Victims may suffer severe abdominal pain, vomiting, vertigo, trouble breathing, confusion, headaches and blurry vision. Advertisement In more severe cases, blindness, seizures and coma can follow. 6 At the hospital — where doctors were surprised she'd made it alive — she had to drink vodka to help flush the methanol from her system. Instagram / @ashkng The Institute says methanol poisoning can often be treated if doctors intervene within 10 to 30 hours. One surprising thing that can help? Drinking alcohol. While she was in the hospital, King says she was given several vodkas with orange juice to flush the methanol from her system. Advertisement 'It was the most absurd drinking game I've ever played,' she said. 'The drunker I got the more I could breathe, the more I was able to see.' They also give her hemodialysis to filter waste from the blood, plus steroids to try to fix her eyes — but she was left with only about 2% vision, which she describes as 'like snowfall or a TV screen.' 'I've never felt so alone in my life,' she said. 'Three days ago, I had had my entire life ahead of me. And now you're telling me that I'm blind?' 6 The early signs of methanol poisoning might not raise any red flags after a night of drinking. Tunatura – How to avoid the poison pour Advertisement While the problem is global, statistics show that Asia has the highest prevalence of methanol poisoning worldwide, with outbreaks commonly occurring in Indonesia, India, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines, according to Doctors Without Borders. Since 2019, the group has tracked more than 1,000 incidents that have poisoned over 40,000 people and killed roughly 14,200. The fatality rate in an outbreak is often reported to be 20% to 40%. Last month, the US Embassy in Jordan issued a warning after a rash of methanol-related deaths linked to locally made booze — and offered some tips for travelers looking to avoid similar fates. Start by sticking to alcohol sold in licensed liquor stores, bars, hotels and established markets. Skip street vendors and informal setups. If the drink is dirt cheap, there's probably a reason — counterfeit alcohol is often sold for a fraction of the real thing. And don't accept free drinks from strangers. At the bar, watch your drink being made. If it smells off or tastes strange, ditch it. You should also avoid homemade liquor or local spirits. When in doubt, especially in unfamiliar places, skip the hard stuff altogether. Pre-packaged options like beer, cider, wine or duty-free liquor are generally safer and harder to tamper with. 6 If you suspect you've been exposed to methanol, contact emergency services right away. Jair – Before cracking open any bottle, inspect it for signs of tampering — poor label quality, broken seals or obvious spelling errors are all red flags. And of course, never let your drink out of sight. While abroad, the office said it's smart to sign up for travel alerts from your government's foreign-affairs department or local embassy. Keeping tabs on local news and knowing how to reach emergency services can also make all the difference, just in case that nightcap turns into a nightmare. 'This doesn't need to happen. But it does, and not enough people know about it. Because of this, I'm sharing my story,' King said. She's also launched a petition to spread awareness and encourage education on the dangers in both schools and airpots.
