Mosquitoes carry malaria (疟疾), which kills thousands of people each year. Now some researchers are trying to use genetic engineering to make the annoying insects into partners in the fight against the disease.

For years, public health officials have tried to limit the disease by controlling mosquito populations. “But that approach is temporary,” says Anthony James, a professor of biology and genetics at the University of California, Irvine, “Because mosquitoes are extremely tough little insects, and their populations can quickly rebound.”

Therefore, James and his colleagues want to try a different approach: making mosquitoes themselves into malaria-fighting warriors, which is a complete departure from traditional ways of controlling malaria.

To understand how it works, it helps to understand the life cycle of malaria. The malaria pathogen (病原体) is a parasite (寄生虫) that grows inside humans. It’s passed via mosquitoes that move from person to person, sucking blood. “If we can make the mosquitoes difficult for the pathogens to survive, we can wipe out the disease,” he says. But making mosquitoes uninviting to malaria is a tough job.

To solve the problem, the team used a gene-editing technique called CRISPR. They started with genes from mice, whose immune systems do fight human malaria, engineered those genes, and then gave them to the mosquitoes.

It turned out the malaria-fighting antibodies which gene-edited mosquitoes produced worked very well. They reduced the number of parasites in the mosquito before they were passed to a human host.

James’ team are now working on planning a field trial, which he hopes could be conducted on an island or in another isolated location.

But genetically changing wild animals does not sit well with environmentalists. “There’s no need to engineer a mosquito,” says Dana Perls, senior program manager for the emerging technology program at the non-profit Friends of the Earth. Perls points out that naturally occurring methods for reducing malaria appear to be showing promise, as does a new vaccine (疫苗) against the disease. “Why take unnecessary risks and release a species that can’t be recalled once it’s released into the wild?” she asks.

Anxiety and depression are complex conditions. But can everyone benefit from teaming how to care for their mind? 【小题1】

• Self-Compassion （自我关怀）

【小题2】 This can include feeling like you must be perfect to be accepted or an unrealistic sense of others' expectations. The answer to perfectionism isn't letting it all go— it's self-compassion, which means you are kind and understanding when faced with personal failures—after all, who ever said you were supposed to be perfect? How we treat ourselves through the ups and downs of life can have a huge impact on health and mental health.

• Social Connection

From the time we are born , we need social connection in order to grow and succeed. 【小题3】 It can be talking to one trusted person about how you're really doing or having a visit with any family member or friend. If this feels out of reach, try making a short list of people who at any point have given you a sense of belonging. 【小题4】

• Exercise

Exercise can be important for preventing depression since having a sedentary （缺乏锻炼的）lifestyle is a risk factor. 【小题5】Another study found that 12 weeks of exercise at 30 minutes, three to five times per week reduced symptoms by 47%.

So the best approach is: Get whatever support is in reach and care for your mind based on what works for you.

Flu (流感) can be very dangerous although in most people the illness may last only a week or two. Getting a flu vaccine (疫苗) every year is the best way to prevent getting the flu. 【小题1】

Recognize flu symptoms (症状). Before you can effectively treat the flu, make sure that’ s what you actually have. 【小题2】 Common symptoms of flu include serious cough, sore throat, fever above 100F, headaches, weakness and so on while symptoms of the common cold usually include mild cough, low-grade or no fever as well as slight aches.

【小题3】 In some extreme cases, the flu can cause symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. You need to see a doctor immediately if you are experiencing the following symptoms: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; chest pain or pressure; blueish skin or purplish lips; headache or neck pain.

Get some rest. Sometimes it’s possible to keep working or going to school with a cold, but when you have the flu, it’s important to rest. 【小题4】 Since the flu may spread by contact, staying home is as considerate as it is necessary for your recovery.

Take vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for health. Studies suggest that a proper amount of vitamin C can help remove cold and flu symptoms. Take 1000mg per hour for the first six hours as soon as symptoms appear. Then take 1000mg three times daily. 【小题5】 Though it rarely happens, too much of it may get you poisoned.