Bloodthirsty females

Scientists have taken a swat at understanding the mosquito's primary way of picking its prey: its sense of smell. A recent joint study done by researchers at Vanderbilt and Yale universities discovered that female mosquitoes are attracted to the chemicals found in human sweat. It seems that special protein receptors located on the mosquito's antennae respond to the chemical compounds we produce while perspiring.

According to the CDC, more than one million people die of mosquito-related illnesses each year. By knowing what "turns on" these insects, scientists may be able to single out what can turn them off. The researchers hope this study will help them develop a whole new array of insect repellants that will shield us from diseases such as malaria, encephalitis and West Nile virus. At the very least, they'd like to find a way to make us a less-appetizing meal.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group