{"id":189053,"date":"2026-01-20T09:52:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T08:52:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/?p=189053"},"modified":"2026-01-20T09:52:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T08:52:23","slug":"from-itchy-problem-to-smart-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/from-itchy-problem-to-smart-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"From itchy problem to smart solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"wp-blocks-block wp-block-story-banner  alignfull\">\n    <div>\n                    <div\n                            >\n                <div class=\"relative pt-32 pb-32 md:pt-48\">\n                    <div\n                        class=\"absolute inset-0 bg-green-100\"\n                    >\n                                                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                                class=\"absolute inset-0 !w-full !h-full object-cover\"\n                                src=\"https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mosquito-image.png\"\n                                srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mosquito-image-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mosquito-image-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mosquito-image-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mosquito-image-50x33.png 50w, https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mosquito-image-1200x801.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mosquito-image.png 1229w\"\n                                alt=\"\"\n                                loading=\"lazy\"\n                            >\n                                            <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"\n                        relative container\n                        text-white text-shadow\n                        \n                        \n                        \">\n                        <div class=\"text-4xl leading-normal md:text-6xl min-h-64\">\n                            <div class=\"font-bold\" data-aos=\"fade-right\"><\/div>\n                            <div class=\"text-3xl md:text-6xl\" data-aos=\"fade-up\"><\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"text-xl md:text-2xl uppercase mb-4\" data-aos=\"fade\"> &nbsp;<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Mosquitoes are more than just a summer nuisance; they pose a significant global health challenge, killing over 700,000 people every year. Mosquito-borne diseases such as <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dengue_fever\">dengue<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zika_fever\">Zika<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chikungunya\">chikungunya<\/a> were once considered distant threats, but climate change and rapid urbanisation are enabling mosquitoes to spread to new areas, including parts of Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A challenge of this scale requires a global, unified response rather than just local efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To answer this threat, the COST Action <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/actions\/CA16227\/\">Investigation and Mathematical Analysis of Avant-garde Disease Control via Mosquito Nano-Tech-Repellents<\/a> (IMAAC) was launched to establish links between cutting-edge research and practical solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n<div\n    class=\"text-white text-center bg-gray-500 wp-blocks-block wp-block-facts  alignfull\"\n>\n    <div class=\"container md:flex py-16 lg:py-24\">\n                    <div class=\"w-full px-8 lg:px-16 md:border-r border-white\"\n                data-aos=\"fade-up\"\n                data-aos-delay=\"0\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"inline-block text-5xl mb-4\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-fw fal fa-dragon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"color:currentColor\"><!--! Font Awesome Pro 6.5.2 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license (Commercial License) Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M288.8 10.9C291 4.4 297.1 0 304 0H432h16 35.8c32.7 0 63.8 14.3 85 39.1l56 65.4c9.7 11.4 15.1 25.8 15.1 40.8c0 34.6-28.1 62.7-62.7 62.7H554.5c-21.2 0-41.6-8.4-56.6-23.4l-8.6-8.6H480v12c0 17.6 8.3 34.2 22.4 44.8l90.7 68C622.6 323 640 357.7 640 394.7c0 62-48 112.7-108.9 117c-1 .2-2 .3-3.1 .3h-5.3H440 48.4c-24.7 .2-45.9-18.5-48.2-43.6c-2.4-26.4 17-49.8 43.4-52.2l378.3-35-29-34.9C366.4 314.7 352 274.8 352 233.7V188.3v0l0-.3v0V153.9l-55.2-27.6c-5-2.5-8.3-7.4-8.8-12.9s1.9-10.9 6.3-14.2L341.3 64 294.4 28.8c-5.5-4.1-7.8-11.3-5.6-17.9zM525.9 480c.4-.1 .8-.1 1.3-.1c45-2.3 80.8-39.6 80.8-85.2c0-26.9-12.6-52.2-34.1-68.3l-90.7-68C461 241.8 448 215.7 448 188V160c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16h32c4.2 0 8.3 1.7 11.3 4.7l13.3 13.3c9 9 21.2 14.1 33.9 14.1h22.8c17 0 30.7-13.8 30.7-30.7c0-7.3-2.6-14.4-7.4-20l-56-65.4C529.4 42.2 507.2 32 483.8 32H448 432 352l25.6 19.2c4 3 6.4 7.8 6.4 12.8s-2.4 9.8-6.4 12.8l-43.3 32.5 40.8 20.4c5.4 2.7 8.8 8.3 8.8 14.3v44 0l0 .3v0 45.4c0 33.7 11.8 66.3 33.4 92.2L459 375.8c3.2 3.9 5 8.8 5 13.9c0 11.2-8.5 20.6-19.7 21.6L46.5 448.1c-8.8 .8-15.3 8.6-14.5 17.4c.8 8.4 7.8 14.6 16.1 14.5l.2 0v0H440h82.7 3.2zM320 199.4v34.2c0 1.4 0 2.8 0 4.3L171.7 139c-6.1-4-14.1-3.5-19.5 1.4L63 219.7l127.6-11.6c6.7-.6 13.1 3 15.9 9.1s1.6 13.3-3.2 18.1L150.6 288H327.2c3 11 6.8 21.7 11.5 32H112c-6.5 0-12.3-3.9-14.8-9.9s-1.1-12.9 3.5-17.4l48.8-48.8-132 12c-6.9 .6-13.4-3.2-16.1-9.6S.2 232.6 5.4 228L130.9 116.5c16.3-14.5 40.4-16.2 58.5-4.1l130.6 87zM495.2 57.7l32 16c7.9 4 11.1 13.6 7.2 21.5s-13.6 11.1-21.5 7.2l-32-16c-7.9-4-11.1-13.6-7.2-21.5s13.6-11.1 21.5-7.2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\n                <\/span>\n                <p class=\"pb-8\">Mosquitoes have been around since the Triassic period, 400 million years ago.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"w-full px-8 lg:px-16 md:border-r border-white\"\n                data-aos=\"fade-up\"\n                data-aos-delay=\"500\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"inline-block text-5xl mb-4\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-fw fal fa-mosquito\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"color:currentColor\"><!--! Font Awesome Pro 6.5.2 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license (Commercial License) Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M182.4 3.4c-6.9 5.5-8.2 15.7-2.8 22.7l41.9 55.7L194 136.5c-3.2 6.3-2 14.1 3 19l45.1 45.1L79.3 226.2C34 232.1 0 272.5 0 320.3c0 84.5 97.6 126.9 154.6 67.1L272 280.4v23.9L228 357c-2.5 2.9-3.8 6.7-3.8 10.6v58.3l-44.7 59.5c-5.3 7.1-4.1 17.3 2.8 22.7s16.8 4.2 22.1-2.9l48-63.9c2.1-2.8 3.3-6.3 3.3-9.9V373.5L272 354.1v45.4c0 26.5 21.5 48 48 48s48-21.5 48-48V354.1l16.2 19.4 0 57.9c0 3.6 1.2 7.1 3.3 9.9l48 63.9c5.3 7.1 15.2 8.4 22.1 2.9s8.2-15.7 2.8-22.7l-44.7-59.5V367.5c0-3.9-1.4-7.6-3.8-10.6l-44-52.7V280.4L485.4 387.4C542.4 447.2 640 404.9 640 320.3c0-47.9-34-88.2-79.4-94.2L397.9 200.7 443 155.6c5-5 6.2-12.7 3-19L418.6 81.8l41.9-55.7c5.3-7.1 4.1-17.3-2.8-22.7s-16.8-4.2-22.1 2.9l-48 63.9c-3.7 5-4.3 11.7-1.5 17.3l26.7 53.2L368 185.4v-9.5c0-23.8-17.3-43.5-40-47.3V63.8c0-4.4-3.6-8-8-8s-8 3.6-8 8v64.8c-22.7 3.8-40 23.6-40 47.3v9.5l-44.6-44.7L254 87.5c2.8-5.6 2.2-12.4-1.5-17.3l-48-63.9c-5.3-7.1-15.2-8.4-22.1-2.9zM272 237.1L133.1 363.8c-.5 .5-1.1 1-1.6 1.5C96.6 401.9 32 379.3 32 320.3c0-32.9 23.2-58.7 51.5-62.4c.3 0 .5-.1 .8-.1l185.8-29.1 1.9 1.9 0 6.4zM506.9 363.8L368 237l0-6.4 1.9-1.9 185.8 29.1c.3 0 .5 .1 .8 .1c28.3 3.7 51.5 29.5 51.5 62.4c0 58.9-64.6 81.6-99.5 45c-.5-.5-1-1-1.6-1.5zM304 399.5l0-223.6c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16s16 7.2 16 16l0 223.6c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\n                <\/span>\n                <p class=\"pb-8\">Mosquitoes find hosts by sight, infrared radiation, and chemical signals. <\/p>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"w-full px-8 lg:px-16 md:border-r border-white\"\n                data-aos=\"fade-up\"\n                data-aos-delay=\"1000\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"inline-block text-5xl mb-4\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-fw fal fa-socks\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"color:currentColor\"><!--! Font Awesome Pro 6.5.2 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license (Commercial License) Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M140.8 465.9C129 475 114.4 480 99.5 480H96c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64c0-20.1 9.5-39.1 25.6-51.2l57.6-43.2C143.4 300.4 160 267.3 160 232V128H288V96H160V48c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16H289.6C292 20.2 297 9.4 303.9 .1c-1-.1-2-.1-3-.1H176c-26.5 0-48 21.5-48 48V232c0 25.2-11.9 48.9-32 64L38.4 339.2C14.2 357.3 0 385.8 0 416c0 53 43 96 96 96h3.5c22 0 43.4-7.3 60.8-20.8l16.1-12.4c-5.4-9.6-9.6-19.9-12.4-30.8H164l-23.2 17.9zM368 0c-26.5 0-48 21.5-48 48V232c0 25.2-11.9 48.9-32 64l-57.6 43.2C206.2 357.3 192 385.8 192 416c0 53 43 96 96 96h3.5c22 0 43.4-7.3 60.8-20.8l116.1-89.7c27.4-21.2 43.5-53.9 43.5-88.6V48c0-26.5-21.5-48-48-48H368zM352 48c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16h96c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16V96H352V48zm0 80H480V312.9c0 24.8-11.5 48.2-31.1 63.3L332.8 465.9C321 475 306.4 480 291.5 480H288c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64c0-20.1 9.5-39.1 25.6-51.2l57.6-43.2C335.4 300.4 352 267.3 352 232V128z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\n                <\/span>\n                <p class=\"pb-8\">Some species of mosquitoes are attracted to smelly feet and cheese<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"w-full px-8 lg:px-16 md:border-r border-white\"\n                data-aos=\"fade-up\"\n                data-aos-delay=\"1500\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"inline-block text-5xl mb-4\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-fw fal fa-shirt\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"color:currentColor\"><!--! Font Awesome Pro 6.5.2 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license (Commercial License) Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M211.4 0c-27.7 0-54.5 9.6-76 27.1L56.3 91.9 12.9 127.4c-13.7 11.2-15.7 31.4-4.5 45l70.9 86.7c11.2 13.7 31.4 15.7 45 4.5L160 234.4V456c0 30.9 25.1 56 56 56H424c30.9 0 56-25.1 56-56V234.4l35.6 29.1c13.7 11.2 33.8 9.2 45-4.5l70.9-86.7c11.2-13.7 9.2-33.8-4.5-45l-10.1 12.4 10.1-12.4L583.7 91.9 504.6 27.1C483.1 9.6 456.3 0 428.6 0h-6.3c-1.3 0-2.5 .1-3.7 .2c-.8-.1-1.7-.2-2.6-.2H224c-.9 0-1.7 .1-2.6 .2c-1.2-.1-2.4-.2-3.7-.2h-6.3zm40.7 32H387.9C378 60 351.3 80 320 80s-58-20-67.9-48zM155.7 51.9C171.4 39 191.1 32 211.4 32h6.3l0 0c0 0 .2 .1 .4 .3c.5 .4 1 1.2 1.3 2.2C231.1 79.1 271.7 112 320 112s88.9-32.9 100.6-77.5c.3-1 .8-1.8 1.3-2.2c.2-.2 .4-.2 .4-.3l0 0h6.3c20.3 0 40 7 55.7 19.9l79.2 64.8 43.3 35.5-70.9 86.7-43.3-35.5-18.4-15.1c-4.8-3.9-11.4-4.7-17-2.1s-9.1 8.3-9.1 14.5V456c0 13.3-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24V200.7c0-6.2-3.6-11.8-9.1-14.5s-12.2-1.8-17 2.1l-18.4 15.1-43.3 35.5L33.2 152.1l43.3-35.5 79.2-64.8z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\n                <\/span>\n                <p class=\"pb-8\">Dark clothing attract some species of mosquito more than lighter coloured clothing.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"w-full px-8 lg:px-16 \"\n                data-aos=\"fade-up\"\n                data-aos-delay=\"2000\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"inline-block text-5xl mb-4\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-fw fal fa-moon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"color:currentColor\"><!--! Font Awesome Pro 6.5.2 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license (Commercial License) Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M190.6 66.8c-38.8 37.8-62.9 90.7-62.9 149.2c0 108.9 83.5 198.3 189.9 207.3C289.8 439 257.7 448 223.5 448C117.7 448 32 362.1 32 256c0-94.8 68.5-173.5 158.6-189.2zm66.1-21.5c-1.5-6.9-7.3-11.9-14.3-12.5c-6.3-.5-12.6-.8-19-.8C100 32 0 132.3 0 256S100 480 223.5 480c60.6 0 115.5-24.2 155.8-63.4c5-4.9 6.3-12.5 3.1-18.7s-10.1-9.7-17-8.5c-9.8 1.7-19.8 2.6-30.1 2.6c-96.9 0-175.5-78.8-175.5-176c0-65.8 36-123.1 89.3-153.3c6.1-3.5 9.2-10.5 7.7-17.3z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\n                <\/span>\n                <p class=\"pb-8\">A full moon increases mosquito activity by 500%, according to one study.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-breaking-the-silos-through-collaboration\"><strong>Breaking the silos through collaboration<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It has long been known that prevention is better than treatment. However, the biggest hurdle in mosquito control was not a lack of science but a lack of collaboration. Research was being conducted in small, isolated bubbles, with teams using different methods and rarely comparing their results. This fragmentation made it incredibly difficult to develop the robust evidence required for significant public health decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>COST changed the game. The IMAAC Action brought together almost 100 experts from 35 countries, including mathematicians, chemists, textile engineers, and medical doctors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the Action Chair, Dr Peyman Ghaffari, of the University of Aveiro in Portugal,explains, \u201c<em>Usually, scientists from fields as diverse as epidemiology, mathematics, textile engineering, and entomology do not communicate with one another, which is a major obstacle.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular interdisciplinary exchanges fostered trust and enabled these experts to &#8216;speak the same language&#8217;. By providing a platform for aligning concepts and methods, the COST Action transformed a group of individual scientists in different scientific fields into a network, making future collaboration easier and more effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/api.pageplace.de\/preview\/DT0400.9781000903430_A46375535\/preview-9781000903430_A46375535.pdf\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"501\" height=\"719\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Book-cover-.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-189075\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Book-cover-.png 501w, https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Book-cover--209x300.png 209w, https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Book-cover--50x72.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 501px) 100vw, 501px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>This led to the publication of the scientific book \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/api.pageplace.de\/preview\/DT0400.9781000903430_A46375535\/preview-9781000903430_A46375535.pdf\"><em>Bio-mathematics, Statistics and Nano-Technologies: Mosquito Control Strategies<\/em>\u2019<\/a> in 2023. It provides an extensive overview of the latest techniques for modelling, analysing, controlling and combating mosquito-transmitted, vector-borne diseases. Including multiple case studies, it serves as a focal point for interdisciplinary discussion, explaining how different fields can contribute to mosquito control.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-transforming-research-into-a-wearable-shield\"><strong>Transforming research into a wearable shield<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to publishing papers, the COST Action IMAAC explored technologies that repel mosquitoes and can be incorporated into everyday materials, particularly textiles. They effectively turn clothing into a protective barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In collaboration with the University of Zagreb and Greenacre Chemicals in Mumbai, an industry partner in India, the team developed a plant-based textile treatment. This can be applied during washing, just like fabric softener. The treatment remains effective for up to thirty washes and costs only a few cents per garment. Keeping the solution simple and affordable was key to making it usable outside the laboratory.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"570\" height=\"696\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/T-shirts.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-189073\" style=\"width:570px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/T-shirts.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/T-shirts-246x300.jpeg 246w, https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/T-shirts-50x61.jpeg 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">T-shirts treated with mosquito-repellent finish. The dosage used is 1-2%. The treatment is applied in a tumble dryer at 70 \u00b0C for 45 minutes. These T-shirts protect against mosquitoes for up to 30 standard washes.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;Our mosquito repellent is derived from natural sources, for instance, Immortelle Oil obtained from <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Helichrysum_italicum\">Helichrysum italicum<\/a> plant or vibroactivated <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zeolite\">Zeolite <\/a>(volcanic ashes),&#8221; <\/em>explains Peyman Ghaffari. <em>&#8220;The product is specifically designed for textile fabrics and garments, offering a simple, straightforward application process.&#8221; <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, the researchers worked on reliable ways to measure the effectiveness of these solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-proving-it-works-on-a-global-scale\"><strong>Proving it works on a global scale<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IMAAC placed a strong emphasis on proper testing. With the support of COST, repellent-treated fabrics were tested in Italy, Brazil, India, and the United States. Trials took place outdoors and in laboratories, with high standards and methods recognised by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iso.org\/home.html\">International Organisation for Standardisation<\/a> being applied. This made the results credible and comparable everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While mass production was beyond the scope of the project, the results showed clear promise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cAlthough we lacked the funds to produce garments for the mass market, we managed to develop a product that could be tested in field studies and demonstrated its efficacy,\u201d<\/em> said the Action Chair. This evidence now supports follow-up funding, industrial interest, and a pilot production run planned for 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Offizielles-Foto.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-189078\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Offizielles-Foto.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Offizielles-Foto-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Offizielles-Foto-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Offizielles-Foto-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Dr Peyman Ghaffari<\/strong><br>Chair of COST Action <strong>IMAAC<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-base-color has-gray-100-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-7b37cd675a3cd048a35d2aba89751d5e\"><em>&#8220;The product is specifically designed for textile fabrics and garments, offering a simple, straightforward application process.&#8221; <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-digital-tools-and-the-power-of-citizen-science\"><strong>Digital tools and the power of citizen science<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Members of IMAAC also explored digital solutions. Researchers developed an AI-based mobile application called at the moment MozziScan (AI Mosquito Identifier) that can identify mosquito species in images with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ias-iss.org\/ojs\/IAS\/article\/view\/2804\">degree of accuracy above 98%<\/a>. This reduces reliance on specialists and enables data to be collected on a much larger scale. The tool is a research-based prototype, not yet officially registered, with plans under discussion to name, promote, and link it to a global databank in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cResults from these tests, with very high accuracies, show that our system outperforms recent state-of-the-art methods,\u201d<\/em> says Peyman Ghaffari. <em>\u201cThe Apps could significantly improve our mosquito control strategies, offering innovative solutions to fight mosquito-borne diseases.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The app offers a quick, affordable and automated way to support vector control programmes. It also plays a key role in citizen science by enabling people to contribute data via their phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-scaling-up-for-a-safer-future\"><strong>Scaling up for a safer future<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the COST Action IMAAC has ended, its impact will continue to grow in a new phase called IMAAC-Next. This phase will focus on piloting the production of mosquito-repellent clothing in Europe, conducting further international testing and creating a database on mosquito-borne diseases which can be accessed worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IMAAC-Next partners are already collaborating with universities and institutes in Florida, Albania, Italy and Cape Verde to trial textile treatments for mosquito control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking ahead, Dr Peyman Ghaffari sums up the ambition clearly: <em>\u201cThe outlined action helps IMAAC generate funds for research and the continuation of these projects.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Action IMAAC demonstrates how a COST Action can transform collaboration into a lasting, tangible solution that genuinely protects people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-additional-information\"><strong>Additional information<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cost.eu\/actions\/CA16227\/\">Visit the Action website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read the Action Book: <a href=\"https:\/\/api.pageplace.de\/preview\/DT0400.9781000903430_A46375535\/preview-9781000903430_A46375535.pdf\">Bio-mathematics, Statistics and Nano-Technologies: Mosquito Control Strategies<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consult the scientific paper co-authored by the Action members:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0001706X24003486\">Interplay of climate change with physiological changes in adult&nbsp;<em>Aedes albopictus<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The COST Action IMAAC used repellent mosquito technology to transform clothing into a protective barrier.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":189101,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1190],"tags":[2409,2408,1941],"news_tag":[2392,2397],"class_list":["post-189053","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-success-stories","tag-ca16227","tag-imaac","tag-mosquito","news_tag-innovation-and-innovators","news_tag-societal-impact"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.0 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - 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