- Scientists found a mosquito species in Madagascar using photos.
- People sent smartphone photos to a citizen science app.
- A close-up photo showed a mosquito larva in a tyre.
- The photo came from Antananarivo, the capital city.
- The image was taken in 2020 and found later.
- The GLOBE Observer app was developed by NASA.
- Researchers used AI to check thousands of mosquito photos.
- The species is Anopheles stephensi, a mosquito that spreads malaria.
- This mosquito breeds in tyres and buckets in cities.
- Researchers say people need phones and a 60x lens.
Difficult words
- mosquito — A small flying insect that bites.
- malaria — A serious illness from a mosquito bite.
- researcher — A person who studies or investigates.Researchers
- identify — To recognize and name something.
- capital — The main city of a country.
- species — A group of living things.
- help — To make something easier or better.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think identifying the mosquito is important?
- How can AI help in research?
- What can people do to protect themselves from malaria?
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