AlisonM
Much missed Moderator
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1.5 LADA
A naturally occurring substance found in human skin could yield a viable alternative to existing mosquito repellent, scientists say.
They say the chemical could help render people "invisible" to the insects. At the American Chemical Society meeting, they revealed a group of compounds that could block mosquitoes' ability to smell potential targets.
When a hand with these chemicals was placed in a mosquito filled enclosure, it was completely ignored.
The team says their work could help prevent the spread of deadly diseases.
Mosquitoes are among the most deadly disease-carrying creatures. They spread malaria, which in 2010 killed an estimated 660,000, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Ulrich Bernier of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) who presented the work, said his team was exploring other options to Deet - a repellent which some do not favour.../
Hmm. Will it work on midges too?
They say the chemical could help render people "invisible" to the insects. At the American Chemical Society meeting, they revealed a group of compounds that could block mosquitoes' ability to smell potential targets.
When a hand with these chemicals was placed in a mosquito filled enclosure, it was completely ignored.
The team says their work could help prevent the spread of deadly diseases.
Mosquitoes are among the most deadly disease-carrying creatures. They spread malaria, which in 2010 killed an estimated 660,000, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Ulrich Bernier of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) who presented the work, said his team was exploring other options to Deet - a repellent which some do not favour.../
Hmm. Will it work on midges too?
