Thomas Walker

CRISPR-Cas9 and PiggyBac Mediated Genetic Modification of Sand Fly Vectors Targeting Olfactory and Non-Lethal Phenotypic Genes

The paper demonstrates successful gene editing in sand flies using CRISPR-Cas9 and PiggyBac to target olfactory and non-lethal phenotypic genes.

Optimising the use of Oxford Nanopore Sequencing technology for detection of Wolbachia bacterial endosymbionts in Anopheles mosquitoes.

This study evaluates Oxford Nanopore Technology for detecting Wolbachia in Anopheles mosquitoes, finding it effective for pooled samples but not individual mosquitoes.

Towards environmental detection, quantification, and molecular characterization of Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti from larval breeding sites

This study validates the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for detecting and characterizing Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from larval breeding sites using multiplex TaqMan assays and amplicon-sequencing panels.

Genetic and microbial diversity of the invasive mosquito vector species Culex tritaeniorhynchus across its extensive inter-continental geographic range

This study examines genetic and microbial diversity of Culex tritaeniorhynchus across multiple continents, finding high genetic and microbial variation and evidence of Wolbachia and insect-specific viruses.

Reduced long-lasting insecticidal net efficacy and pyrethroid insecticide resistance are associated with over-expression of CYP6P4, CYP6P3 and CYP6Z1 in populations of Anopheles coluzzii from South-East Cote d Ivoire

The paper assesses insecticide resistance in Anopheles coluzzii, finding over-expression of CYP6P4, CYP6P3, and CYP6Z1 linked to reduced LLIN efficacy and pyrethroid resistance.

Characterizing the molecular and metabolic mechanisms of insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Faranah, Guinea

The paper assesses insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Faranah, Guinea, identifying resistance to permethrin and deltamethrin and mutations linked to resistance mechanisms.

Investigating the relationship between insecticide resistance, underlying molecular mechanisms and malaria prevalence in Anopheles gambiae s.l. from Guinea

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the human blood index of the major African malaria vectors

This study systematically reviews and meta-analyzes the human blood index (HBI) of major African malaria vectors, finding higher HBI in Anopheles gambiae and An. funestus compared to An. arabiensis, with location being a stronger predictor than species.

Assessing the blood-host plasticity and dispersal rate of the malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii

The paper introduces a method to assess blood-host plasticity and dispersal rate of Anopheles coluzzii using blood-meal source detection and molecular analysis.