In a study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine researchers have discovered that there is a gene that controls one's attractiveness to mosquito bites. The study contained 18 fraternal twins and 19 identical twins. Results showed that the similarity in attractiveness to mosquito bites was greater in the identical twins. Therefore they concluded that it was gene related, similar to genes that indicate one's height and IQ level. According to the study what caused whether or not a mosquito chose to bite you was due to the natural repellants produced by the body. The gene that scientists discovered cold either increase or decrease the amount of repellants produced.
This study can completely change the way that people protect themselves from mosquito bites. Using the information learned in this study scientists are one step closer to finding more effective ways to keep mosquitos at bay. This is most essential in some third world countries that have rampant mosquito infestations that carry serious life threatening diseases.
Interesting article! I would have never imagined that genes might play a role in how frequently mosquitos bite. I would like to know what in the gene makes the mosquito want that persons blood more compared to others.
ReplyDeleteI found this article to be appropriate with warm weather approaching. I would be interested in understanding the "natural repellents" produced by the body and the variation among humans. Would a population within the geographic distribution of malaria be more prone to posses the gene?
ReplyDeleteI am happy to hear we can do something about mosquitoes and try to control the biting. I hunt in the woods all the time in spring, late summer, and fall and let me tell i get bit way to many times. Very interesting article.
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