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The inexplicable sound of mosquitoes: How does An. gambiae use wing sounds to identify species?
The wing sounds of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes could become a new way for scientists to identify their species, according to new research. This is not only relevant to the academic field, but may also have a direct impact on future public health measures, especially malaria control strategies.
The complexity of this species poses control challenges, and identifying various mosquito species through sound recognition has the potential to revolutionize our strategies.
The Anopheles gambiae complex was only formally recognized in the 1960s and includes at least seven morphologically indistinguishable mosquito species. These species are the most important malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa, especially for the most lethal malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. However, the impact of these small insects exceeds expectations. They not only spread malaria, but are also the carrier of Wuchereria bancrofti, which causes lymphatic filariasis, causing serious consequences such as pig elephantiasis.
The Anopheles gambiae complex group includes a variety of species, such as Anopheles arabiensis, Anopheles coluzzii, etc. Although these species are difficult to identify morphologically, they exhibit clear behavioral differences. For example, Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto is a bloodthirsty human, while Anopheles quadriannulatus prefers to suck blood from animals.
Locating these mosquito species is critical for future control measures, especially in the context of malaria prevention and control.
In 2010, some scholars proposed that species identification could be achieved through the sound produced by mosquito wings and its identification in Johnston's organ. However, this theory has not yet been confirmed, and many scientists are skeptical about the overall mechanism of "harmonic aggregation". This means that the technology required to accurately identify and control An. gambiae remains a challenge.
The genome ofAn. gambiae has been sequenced many times, and the presence of about 90 microRNAs has been detected. Research shows that this species is extremely polymorphic, especially in its cytochrome P450 genes, which gives An. gambiae a higher evolutionary potential than other insects. In addition, the integration with new gene drive technologies makes the study of their ecological impacts increasingly important.
Moreover, the reproductive ability of An. gambiae is closely related to its enzyme catalase (catalase) that removes reactive oxygen species (ROS). Reduced catalase activity can significantly affect female mosquito reproduction, suggesting that research into this mechanism will aid future control efforts.
Historically, An. gambiae invaded Brazil in 1930, resulting in malaria epidemics in 1938 and 1939, forcing the country's government to take measures to eliminate this species.
However, with the rise of gene editing technology (such as CRISPR/Cas9), scientists have begun to use this technology to inhibit the reproduction of An. gambiae. Recent research shows that editing certain key genes can effectively reduce mosquito survival and infectivity during different life stages.
Taken together, research on this species, Anopheles gambiae, not only helps us better identify and control these mosquitoes, but may also fundamentally change our strategies for dealing with diseases such as malaria. With the development of science and technology, can the use of voice recognition technology become an effective means of prevention and control in the future?
