Few creatures are as deadly as the mosquito. These small insects are responsible for transmitting malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and other diseases that collectively kill over a million people every year. While insecticides have long been the main tool for controlling mosquito populations, they have significant drawbacks: They can harm other insects, contribute to environmental damage, and are becoming increasingly ineffective as mosquitoes develop resistance.

Courtesy: Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/macro-photography-of-mosquito-DXwhPr2qvLo

But what if we could turn the tables on these pests and make their favorite food—human blood—a lethal weapon against them?

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On January 30th, in a landmark decision that could reshape the way acute pain is treated in the United States, the FDA approved suzetrigine (brand name, Journavx), a first-in-class non-opioid analgesic that is an alternative to traditional painkillers. This long-awaited development comes at a time when although overdose deaths from legally prescribed opioids have decreased significantly in recent years, there remains the stigma of opioid use, the reluctance of some physicians to prescribe them, and the burden of government controls on them

With its innovative mechanism of action and promising clinical trial results, suzetrigine offers hope for millions suffering from moderate to severe acute pain.

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One thing is certain: Impoundment isn't new. But before we get into its history and potential importance to our government's budgetary management, let's consider some of its recent indisputable impacts and the reactions to them. "Your Local Epidemiologist" Dr. Katelyn Jetelina posted this in March in response to the impoundment of funds for public health agencies, organizations, and programs:

There was an abrupt $11B cut to local and state public health (PH) infrastructure yesterday. I don't think people realize what this means:

- Want an updated system to check your immunizations instead of digging through documents? PH no longer able to carry out upgrades to immunization information systems

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The question of whether current childhood vaccines are safer than the diseases they prevent continues to spark debate, despite the answer being as close to "settled science" as any. And although many once-prevalent illnesses like polio, mumps, and diphtheria have been largely eradicated in the United States, vaccines remain essential to maintain this protection.

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The debate over impoundment, the president's refusal to spend money appropriated by Congress, has become prominent in our political discourse. Critics call it a dangerous power grab, while supporters hail it as a necessary tool for fiscal discipline.

One thing is certain: Impoundment isn't new. Previous U.S. presidents exercised impoundment as a matter of course. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower all impounded funds when they deemed it appropriate. Even Thomas Jefferson employed the practice. Richard M. Nixon's aggressive impoundment prompted Congress to pass the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, effectively stripping the executive branch of this authority.

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