Mosquito-borne diseases continue to ravage humankind with >700 million infections and nearly one million deaths every year. Yet only a small percentage of the >3500 mosquito species transmit diseases, necessitating both extensive surveillance and precise identification. Unfortunately, such efforts are costly, time-consuming, and require entomological expertise. As envisioned by the Global Mosquito Alert Consortium, citizen science can provide a scalable solution. However, disparate data standards across existing platforms have thus far precluded truly global integration. Here, utilizing Open Geospatial Consortium standards, we harmonized four data streams from three established mobile apps—Mosquito Alert, iNaturalist, and GLOBE Observer’s Mosquito Habitat Mapper and Land Cover—to facilitate interoperability and utility for researchers, mosquito control personnel, and policymakers. We also launched coordinated media campaigns that generated unprecedented numbers and types of observations, including successfully capturing the first images of targeted invasive and vector species. Additionally, we leveraged pooled image data to develop a toolset of artificial intelligence algorithms for future deployment in taxonomic and anatomical identification. Ultimately, by harnessing the combined powers of citizen science and artificial intelligence, we establish a next-generation surveillance framework to serve as a united front to combat the ongoing threat of mosquito-borne diseases worldwide.

The Maluku Province is an underdeveloped region in Indonesia with over 1,340 scattered islands. Due to the limited health facilities and transportation infrastructure, access to healthcare is very challenging. Here, we combined data from various sources to locate the population clusters, health facilities, roads, and ports/docks, and then utilize geographic information systems (GIS) to estimate distances from residents to health facilities. Health workforce distribution data was then integrated to elucidate overall healthcare equity among districts in the province. The average distances to puskesmas (primary health clinics) were 8.89 km (by land) and 18.43 km (by land and water) respectively, and the average distances to hospitals were 56.19 km (by land) and 73.09 km (by land and water), with large disparities within and among districts. Analysis of health workforce data shows that 65% of 207 puskesmas lack physicians, while 49% lack midwives. Ambon, Tual, and Southeast Maluku have the highest health equity, while East Ceram, Buru, and South Buru have the lowest. In general, this study demonstrates the utility of GIS and spatial analyses, which can help identify problem areas in healthcare accessibility and equity in archipelago settings, and provide recommendations to stakeholders such as public health officials and district administrators.

The question of whether the iconic avialanArchaeopteryxwas capable of active flapping flight or only passive gliding is still unresolved. This study contributes to this debate by reporting on two key aspects of this fossil that are visible under ultraviolet (UV) light. In contrast to previous studies, we show that most of the vertebral column of the BerlinArchaeopteryxpossesses intraosseous pneumaticity, and that pneumatic structures also extend beyond the anterior thoracic vertebrae in other specimens ofArchaeopteryx. With a minimum Pneumaticity Index (PI) of 0.39,Archaeopteryxhad a much more lightweight skeleton than has been previously reported, comprising an air sac-driven respiratory system with the potential for a bird-like, high-performance metabolism. The neural spines of the 16^thto 22^ndpresacral vertebrae in the BerlinArchaeopteryxare bridged by interspinal ossifications, and form a rigid notarium-like structure similar to the condition seen in modern birds. This reinforced vertebral column, combined with the extensive development of air sacs, suggests thatArchaeopteryxwas capable of flapping its wings for cursorial and/or aerial locomotion.

The historic fossil feather from the Jurassic Solnhofen has played a pivotal but controversial role in our evolutionary understanding of dinosaurs and birds. Recently, a study confirmed the diagnostic morphology of the feather’s original calamus, but nonetheless challenged the proposed identity as an Archaeopteryx covert. However, there are errors in the results and interpretations presented. Here we show that the feather is most likely an upper major primary covert, based on its long calamus (23.3% total length) and eight other anatomical attributes. Critically, this hypothesis is independently supported by evidence of similar primary coverts in multiple specimens of Archaeopteryx–including from the same fossil site and horizon as the isolated feather. We also provide additional insights, such as an updated colour reconstruction of the entire feather as matte black, with 90% probability. Given the isolated nature of the fossil feather, we can never know the anatomical and taxonomic provenance with 100% certainty. However, based on all available evidence, the most empirical and parsimonious conclusion is that this feather represents a primary covert from the ancient wing of Archaeopteryx.