A new study found evidence that mosquitoes prefer the skin of specific humans due to a specific compound found in sweat called carboxylic acid.
, which didn’t necessarily attract mosquitoes on its own. However, when paired with other chemicals found in sweat such as ammonia and lactic acid, it becomes a mouth-watering cocktail for thirsty mosquitoes.
To confirm these inklings, the study’s authors collected odor samples from 64 different people by using a nylon sock worn on their arm. They then removed the socks and exposed them to a swarm of mosquitoes. Later, after breaking down the chemical composition of the nylon socks, the researchers found that the mosquitoes tended to be more attracted to the humans who had higher levels of carboxylic acids.
The authors also note that this tends to be a “fixed” trait too. That means that if your sweat contains more carboxylic acid, it might just be that way for your entire life. There is some good news though: If you’re around other people outdoors anddon’t exude more of the acid, mosquitoes are going to flock to the poor folks who do and mostly avoid you!
“Mosquito preferences matter more in a group setting,” the study’s authors wrote. “The ‘mosquito magnet’ in the group may receive the most bites, leaving the less attractive humans largely untouched. This suggests that mosquitoes distinguish the scent of two human samples using cues that exist along a continuum.”
This research will likely play a very important role in the fight against mosquito-borne illnesses that claim more than a million lives a year, according to the
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Some People Really Are Mosquito Magnets, and They’re Stuck That WayCertain compounds in our skin determine how much we attract mosquitoes, new research suggests—and those compounds don’t change much over time
Les mer »
Are you a mosquito magnet? It could be your smellIf mosquitoes love you, new research suggests it may be because of how you smell
Les mer »
Used ULTIMA CAN AM 2017 for saleULTIMA CAN AM This amazing Ultima Can Am is correctly registered 01/05/2018 Only 1550 miles with its one owner from new Finished in stunning yellow coachwork Compleet with Gullwing removable hard top . Full leather interior . Powered by a Chevrolet LS3 V8 supplied new by American Speed to 550bhp spec Tuned by Wortec Developments and maintained and serviced by Charles Dunn Motor engineering . Porsche 997 manual gear box / transaxle Supplied new by BS Motorsports direct from Porsche Germany . Carbon fibre side pods AP Racing brakes and vented drilled discs . Number plate Y8ULT . Viewing by pre ranged appointment only . Call Mark on 07711 630 348 . £79995 Finance available More pictures and video on our website
Les mer »
SI:AM | Chaos Reigns in the PostseasonToday from Dan_Gartland: ⚾ Gerrit Cole keeps a favorite alive (stephapstein) 🎶 Rocky Top, you’ll always be … and the crazy CFB weekend (ByPatForde) 🏈 The Bills’ defense is legit (AlbertBreer) ⚡ Zappe hour (ConorOrr)
Les mer »
Patti LuPone On Leaving Actors’ Equity: “They Don’t Know Who I Am Basically” – ReportBroadway star Patti LuPone is offering additional details on her decision to leave the Actors’ Equity union after completing her run in Company last summer. “They accepted my resignatio…
Les mer »
Ask Amy: Am I wrong to shield my kids from life’s realities?I want them to be able to stay in childhood. Hence, the food scale.
Les mer »