Forget the usual hiking gear, this backpack is a unique carrier for swarms of mosquitoes. Designed by molecular biologist Deogratius Kavishe, it transports bloodsucking insects from the Tanzanian wilderness to the lab. Made from local materials like PVC fiberglass netting and Tanzanian kitenge cotton fabric, this backpack costs $70 to produce and can hold enough mosquitoes to fill 18 paper cups. The ventilated design with a water-soaked cover flap keeps the environment cool and moist for the mosquito passengers.
Kavishe and his team aim to test the susceptibility of local mosquitoes to insecticides. With many mosquito populations developing resistance to common insecticides, this research is crucial. The backpack serves as a mosquito hotel, ensuring the safe transport of these insects from the wilderness to the lab for testing.
The journey to collect these mosquitoes involves long treks through various terrains, including grasslands and swamps. The backpacks have been put to the test, with Kavishe walking long distances, wading through floodwaters, and encountering wild animals along the way. Despite the challenges, the team perseveres in their mission to study mosquito resistance.
2024-05-09 08:00:00
Source from www.sciencenews.org