Heads up regional viewers, new research at New Scientist suggests bacteria living on our skin could play a role in warding off mosquitoes.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, known to spread infections, may be put off by certain odors produced by the bacteria. The finding opens the possibility of developing a mosquito repellent spray that alters the skin microbiome to contain more of these bacteria.
Currently, synthetic repellents like DEET are commonly used to prevent mosquito bites.
However, these repellents wear off after a few hours and can sometimes cause skin irritation.
The discovery that bacteria-produced odors can repel mosquitoes may offer a more long-lasting and potentially safer alternative.
The study involved collecting samples of bacteria from the skin of individuals who were attractive or unattractive to mosquitoes.
It found that individuals who were less attractive to mosquitoes had a higher abundance of certain bacteria on their skin.
By identifying these bacteria and understanding the specific odors they produce, scientists hope to develop a spray that can be applied to the skin to repel mosquitoes. (Press Rundown 08/30/23) Skin microbiome influences mosquito attraction (pressrundown.com)
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