Are Mosquitoes Getting Smarter?
WouterThose who are familiar with mosquitoes are aware that they are known for biting humans. These creatures are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. They spread many diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever, and West Nile fever.
The World Health Organization estimates that 50-100 million people around the world contract dengue each year. This number is increasing. In the past fifty years, cases of dengue rose by 30 percent.
Researchers believe that the increased rate of urbanization is causing the mosquitoes to become more attracted to humans. This may lead to more bites. In addition, climate change may also drive an increase in human-biting behaviors.
According to the study, mosquitoes learn and change their behavior depending on the host’s cues. They have also been observed to learn and adapt to new forms of insecticides. This is a good thing, because it can help scientists find new ways to fight the insects.
In the study, researchers examined the genomes of 375 mosquitoes. They found that these species have “hotspots” in their genomes that contribute to their preference for humans.
These hotspots are linked to the insects’ senses of smell. Female mosquitoes have an olfactory system that allows them to locate their hosts. They look for bacteria on their skin and for lactic acid in their breath.
Moreover, they are able to recognize when a human is coming out of bednets. They are even able to remember a defensive individual for several days.
