Why some people are real mosquito magnets

Do you get stubborn all the time? Meanwhile, It is a verified fact: some skins attract mosquitoes much more than others.

For some, the summer holidays rhyme with the fact of not forgetting its anti-mosquito sprays. However, It is thus when you have the unlucky enough to have what is nicknamed mosquito skin.

Fatty acids on our skins – Why some people real mosquito

Could it be our smell or that of our perspiration that attract mosquitoes? Nevertheless, If they bite us, it is not for pleasure, but to eat. However, It is therefore that they find us appetizing. Moreover, Researchers have managed to define why exactly. Meanwhile, It is not a question of smell, but of molecules, and why some people real mosquito even fatty acids.

Indeed, these fatty acids that cover our skin can make us a hundred times more attractive than others for mosquitoes. According to Leslie Vosshall. specialist in neurogenetics and behavior within the Rockefeller University (United States), author of the study unveiled in 2022, we see “A very, very strong association between having large quantities of these fatty acids on the skin and being a mosquito magistant. ”

The hunt for mosquito females – Why some people real mosquito

“It is impossible to hide from a mosquito female: she will track any member of the human species by following our exhaled CO2. our body heat and our smell, she explains. But some of us are distinctive “mosquitoes” and receive more than their just share of bites. The blood group. blood sugar, consumption of garlic or bananas, being a woman or being a child are all popular theories explaining why a person could be a favorite why some people real mosquito snack. However, for most of them, there are little credible data. »»

But this study has shown that Fat acids emanating from the skin can create an intoxicating scent to. which mosquitoes cannot resist. “There is a very strong link between the presence of large quantities of these fatty acids on the skin. being a mosquitoes magnet”confirms the researcher. Previous studies had already identified that other molecules attracted them, such as lactic acid or ketoglutaric acid.

Modify the microbiota

How is it possible? In fact. mosquitoes have an extremely complex olfactory system allowing them to detect a large number of molecules, including those produced by humans. What identify your prey, feed, survive, and therefore reproduce. But it may be possible to stop being devoured by modifying a key variable: the microbiota.

Indeed. if it is fatty acids on the surface of our skin that attract miniature vampires, modifying the composition why some people real mosquito would make us less appetizing. The solution: transfer a person on the skin to mosquito the microbiota absolutely not attracting them. A rational and plausible hypothesis, but which remains to be checked and scientifically proven.

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