Can Mosquitoes Be Invisible to Humans?
WouterUsing a gene-editing tool to eliminate light-sensing receptors in mosquito eyes, scientists have discovered a new way to make humans invisible to these disease-carrying pests. While these tests have not yet been conducted on live hosts, they should provide some insight into future mosquito control efforts.
In the case of mosquitoes, there are three main tactics to controlling them. First, a person can protect themselves by avoiding common breeding areas. Secondly, they can use a repellent. Third, they can be tamed by using a wind tunnel to spray carbon dioxide at them. But can such technologies really make a difference?
While they are often a source of fun and fascination, they can also be a nuisance and spread deadly diseases. For instance, mosquitoes can carry dengue, Zika, and West Nile viruses. So, it is not surprising that scientists have been looking for a non-toxic solution to the problem. While a lot of research has been conducted, little is known about how to actually make humans invisible to these tiny insects.
The name of the game here is to discover which of the many possible chemicals naturally present in human skin will be the best at keeping mosquitoes away. The most successful of these compounds is 1-methylpiperzine. This chemical inhibits mosquitoes’ ability to detect lactic acid, other chemicals, and odors.
As a result, the researchers have been able to isolate two dozen compounds that are effective at preventing mosquitoes from getting a whiff of you.
