Mosquitoes are a growing public health threat, reversing years of progress

Don't miss this compelling global health series by The New York Times: The fight against mosquitos has never been more urgent as climate change and the rapid evolution of the insect have thwarted efforts to combat devastating diseases like malaria and dengue. Scientists are innovating, reports Stephanie Nolen, pursuing new strategies to protect public health.

Nolen traveled to five countries in Africa and Latin America to cover multiple aspects of this growing global challenge:

Mosquitoes are a growing public health threat, reversing years of progress

Climate change and the rapid evolution of the insect have helped drive up malaria deaths and brought dengue and other mosquito-borne viruses to places that never had to worry about them.

An invasive mosquito threatens catastrophe in Africa

A malaria-carrying species that thrives in urban areas and resists all insecticides is causing outbreaks in places that have rarely faced the disease.

The gamble: Can genetically-modified mosquitos end disease?

Working on a remote island, scientists think they can use genetic engineering to block a malaria-carrying species of mosquito from spreading the disease — and do it in just a few months. But governments are wary.

One village, two houses and a new tactic to win the war on mosquitos

A different way of thinking about mosquito-borne diseases could save billions of dollars and end them for good, some health experts believe.

Unleashing a new weapon on the mosquito: a mosquito

What if, instead of killing the mosquitoes, you could disarm them? Even if you couldn’t keep them from biting people, what if you could block them from passing on disease? What if you could use one infectious microbe to stop another?

Insecticides can't stop the mosquitos. Now what?

Old weapons like bed nets and insecticides don't work well anymore: Mosquitos have evolved to resist and evade them. The world needs to ways to fight mosquitos.

Data Center corridor lined with racks and racks of electronics

AI power demand creates ‘high likelihood, high impact’ grid risks

The North American transmission watchdog warns of cascading outages if the largest data centers aren’t regulated.
A depiction of a greener planet, green energy, and green solutions for the planet.

House Democrats want clean energy tax credits back

A new bill would reinstate incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and provide assistance for consumer electricity costs.
A worker inspecting a solar panel

Alabama House committee considers bills targeting solar farms

One bill the committee approved allows county commissions to regulate solar farms while another stops new solar farm construction for a year.
A worker installing solar panels on a roof

Opinion: Virginia is making strides on clean energy — even as it falls behind

Despite the Virginia Clean Economy Act's path to 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2025, utilities are importing more fossil fuel electricity from other states.

Large storage batteries with transmission lines in background

Why tech giants are ditching the power grid

Seeking power for data centers, Meta and other companies plan to use equipment that is expensive and polluting.
Refinery explosion and subsequent fire
Credit: surpasspro/BigStock Photo ID: 806091

Opinion: We need to be honest about Iran — and how our rampant greed for oil is causing mayhem

Oil has empowered capitalism and some of the world’s most exploitative regimes. Move away from it and we can solve some of the key issues we face, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot.

Salt Lake City center beneath a hazy sky

Do high temperatures and pollution contribute to suicide risk?

A University of Utah study suggests knowing the suicide risk could improve policies and save lives.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

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