Testing a non-destructive assay to track Plasmodium sporozoites in mosquitoes over time.

Background: The extrinsic incubation period (EIP), defined as the time it takes for malaria parasites in a mosquito to become infectious to a vertebrate host, is one of the most influential parameters for malaria transmission but remains poorly understood. The EIP is usually estimated by quantifying salivary gland sporozoites in subsets of mosquitoes, which requires terminal sampling. However, assays that allow repeated sampling of individual mosquitoes over time could provide better resolution of the EIP.

Vector control: agents of selection on malaria parasites?

Insect vectors are responsible for spreading many infectious diseases, yet interactions between pathogens/parasites and insect vectors remain poorly understood. Filling this knowledge gap matters because vectors are evolving in response to the deployment of vector control tools (VCTs). Yet, whilst the evolutionary responses of vectors to VCTs are being carefully monitored, the knock-on consequences for parasite evolution have been overlooked.

A transformative mission for prioritising nature in Australian cities.

Australia is experiencing mounting pressures related to processes of urbanisation, biodiversity loss and climate change felt at large in cities. At the same time, it is cities that can take the leading role in pioneering approaches and solutions to respond to those coupling emergencies. In this perspective piece we respond to the following question: What are the required transformations for prioritising, valuing, maintaining and embracing nature in cities in Australia? We adopt the mission framework as an organising framework to present proposed pathways to transform Australian cities as nature-positive places of the future.

Cities and the SDGs: Realities and possibilities of local engagement in global frameworks.

City action is critical to achieving global visions for sustainability such as the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, SDG 'localisation' is complex procedure, with divergent outcomes depending on context and diverse city processes. This paper considers the operational challenges faced by city actors in taking on the SDGs, and subsequent implications for initiating local (and global) sustainability transitions.