Disease-related news that’s not about the pandemic? In my Monday Bwoglines? It’s more likely than you’d think.

Happening in the world: A microbe that lives in the guts of some wild mosquitoes completely prevents the insects from being infected with malaria, a research team in Kenya and the UK announced today. While exactly how the microbe works to prevent malaria in mosquitoes is still unknown, scientists are optimistic that the discovery has huge potential in combatting malaria, which kills over 400,000 people a year. (BBC)

Happening in the US: Long-held traditions are about to be broken in the Supreme Court, which will begin hearing cases via telephone conference today while streaming live audio of the process. Both the transition to virtual hearings and live audio streaming are unprecedented, and while some rejoice the transition to live coverage, others are hesitant about the way both a live (if virtual) public audience and new rules for the telephone conference hearings could negatively impact court proceedings. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: After being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restoration plans for the historic building at 70 Mulberry, whose top three floors were destroyed by a fire in January, are moving forward. The building was built in 1893 and, when the fire hit, was home to several non-profits and cultural centers, including the 85,000-item archive of the Museum of Chinese in America. Restoration of items damaged in the fire have been so far successful, but the demolition of the top three floors, potentially this summer, has been affirmed by the city. (Gothamist)

How to start your week: It’s LDOC! I know LDOC isn’t a thing at Columbia, but it should be. Celebrate it as best you can by being as outside and irresponsible as proper social distancing and safety allows… Which probably just means being indoors and responsible. Yikes.

Image via Wikimedia Commons