Are You A Mosquito Magnet?

A new research reveals that genetics have an influence on the body odour, making some people mosquito magnet.

15:09 23 April 2015

People’s genes, which influence their body odour, determine how their body smells to biting insects such as mosquitoes, a research has revealed. While some are insect-magnet, some people are able to produce a natural insect repellant that make them unattractive to insects. 

 

Lead scientist Dr James Logan, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: "By investigating the genetic mechanism behind attractiveness to biting insects such as mosquitoes we can move closer to using this knowledge for better ways of keeping us safe from bites and the diseases insects can spread through bites.

 

"If we understand the genetic basis for variation between individuals it could be possible to develop bespoke ways to control mosquitoes better, and develop new ways to repel them. In the future we may even be able to take a pill which will enhance the production of natural repellents by the body and ultimately replace skin lotions."

 

The research studied 18 identical and 19 non-identical twin pairs. They were exposed to Aedies aegypti mosquitoes, which were given the option, which hands they're going to bite.