Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Some people really are Mosquito Magnets; scientists reveal the reason for it

The Aedes aegypti mosquito that spreads diseases like Zika, yellow fever, and dengue was used for the experiment.

Some people really are Mosquito Magnets; scientists reveal the reason for it

A new study has found that some people are actually “mosquito magnets” and it probably has to do with the way they smell, AP news informs.

To put this claim to test, researchers reportedly designed an experiment which set people’s scents against each other, Maria Elena De Obaldia, the study author explained.


For the study, the researchers asked 64 volunteers to wear nylon stockings around their forearms with the objective of picking up their skin smells. These stockings were placed in separate traps at the end of a long tube, after which plenty of mosquitos were released.

Maria is reported to have said, “They would basically swarm to the most attractive subjects. It became very obvious right away.”

The researchers discovered that those who appeal the most to mosquitoes, produce a large amount of certain chemicals on their skin and this is linked to smell.

Unfortunately for the “mosquito magnets” - the bloodsuckers supposedly remain loyal.

Study author Leslie Vosshall, a neurobiologist at Rockefeller University in New York is quoted as saying, “If you have high levels of this stuff on your skin, you’re going to be the one at the picnic getting all the bites.”

The Aedes aegypti mosquito that spreads diseases like Zika, yellow fever, and dengue was used for the experiment.

According to Leslie, similar results may also be expected from other kinds of mosquitoes, but more research would be needed to confirm the same.

Scientists also found that the biggest mosquito magnet was approximately 100 times more desirable to the mosquitoes than the last place finisher.

Matt DeGennaro, a neurogeneticist at Florida International University who was not involved with the research is of the opinion that by examining the same people over numerous years, the big differences tend to stick around.

“Mosquito magnets seem to remain mosquito magnets,” Matt said.

A common factor was found among the mosquito magnets – they had high levels of certain acids on their skin.

Leslie is reported as saying that these “greasy molecules” are part of the skin’s natural moisturizing layer, and different amounts are produced by people.

She adds that healthy bacteria that live on our skin eat up these acids and create a part of our skin’s odor profile.

People cannot get rid of these acids without damaging their skin, Leslie affirms.

But on the other hand, there may be ways to interfere with skin bacteria and change humans’ smells, adds Jeff Riffell, a neurobiologist at the University of Washington who was not involved with the study.

However, trying to find ways to get rid of mosquitoes is not easy, since the critters are “lean, mean biting machines” Jeff said.

The study too supported this fact, and experiments were carried out with mosquitoes whose genes were edited to damage their sense of smell. However, it was found that the mosquitoes still preferred the mosquito magnets.

Commenting about this discovery, Leslie states, “Mosquitoes are resilient. They have many backup plans to be able to find us and bite us.”

The findings of the study were published in the journal Cell.

More For You

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lepra

'The 100 Club offers a powerful way to support and scale-up this work,' said the organisers.

Lepra launches 100 Club to support community-based leprosy detection

LEPRA launched its first high-value giving network, the 100 Club, on June 26. The event was held at Quilon Restaurant in London and brought together philanthropists, business leaders and supporters of the charity’s work.

The event was hosted by Kalpesh Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media Group and President of the 100 Club. Remarks were delivered by Lepra’s Chair of Trustees Suzanne McCarthy and CEO Jimmy Innes, who spoke about the organisation’s ASPIRE project.

Keep ReadingShow less