Scientists test new malaria vaccine with box full of mosquitoes: 'Whole forearm swelled'

In clinical trials, researchers are developing a new malaria vaccine by using boxes full of mosquitoes to inject people with antibodies.

"We use the mosquitoes like they’re 1,000 small flying syringes," said Dr. Sean Murphy, a University of Washington physician, in a recent paper. Murphy is not planning to vaccinate people by using mosquitoes. Instead, the practice will only be used in clinical trials, although using live mosquitoes to feed on the subjects is considered arcane. 

The team chose to use the mosquitos because injections of the modified parasite via needles are more expensive and time-consuming, according to NPR. Moreover, Dr. Kirsten Lyke of the University of Maryland School of Medicine told NPR she believes the use of a live parasite is "a total game changer" while noting that "all things old become new again."