The world of Tzu Chi December 2023 (Vol.148)

2023 • 12 14 Unexpected new knowledge While exploring the dengue fever zone, Wong Khing Pin, who visited the exhibition with her daughter, was surprised to learn about the Wolbachia biological control method. Wolbachia is a bacterium that can suppress the replication of the dengue virus in Aedes mosquitoes, shorten their lifespan, and affect their reproductivity. One of the strategies involves releasing Wolbachia - infected male mosquitoes to mate with wild female mosquitoes. The result is non-viable eggs, and consequently, a significant reduction in the population of Aedes mosquitoes in the environment, thereby blocking the transmission of the dengue virus. The idea of “releasing mosquitoes” left many visitors puzzled. Encouraged by the exhibition guides, they nervously extended their hands into the mesh box where male mosquitoes were flying freely, experiencing the fact that “male mosquitoes don’t bite”! Khing Pin shared, “I thought vaccines could only be administered to humans. I never expected that we can microinject symbiotic bacteria into mosquito eggs, and use the infected adult mosquitoes to eventually control the population of these mosquitoes and inhibit virus transmission.” Arriving at the “Crime Scene”, Khing Pin virtually entered indoor and outdoor home environments, identified potential mosquito breeding grounds, and shot at the screen to eliminate them. Through first-hand experiences, Khing Pin found the exhibition not only suitable for children, but also provides adults with opportunities to learn new knowledge. She believes that most children may find it challenging to sit quietly and listen to explanations, but the exhibition allows them to deepen their understanding through interactive activities, which also make it easier for them to remember what they have learned. She said, “I have just shared our experience with my friends and encouraged everyone to invite their friends to come and experience and learn about epidemic prevention measures together.” An exhibition for everyone Sixty-seven-year-old volunteer Ng Lay Hou took on the role of an exhibition guide. She was all excited trying the interactive Experiencing directly the fact that “male mosquitoes don’t bite”. [Photo by Chan Tuck Meng]