Consequently,
We now know how mosquitoes:
Spring is finally there. Nevertheless, to the delight of lovers of walks and picnics surrounded by nature. Meanwhile, But as every year. Meanwhile, it also signs the return of some undesirable that we would do well, starting with these damn mosquitoes. Nevertheless, And American researchers have just identified a mechanism that could explain their propensity to ruin our barbecues.
A team from Princeton University was thus interested in particular in a species called Aedes aegypti. Consequently, It is a particularly problematic little beast since it can transport a whole cocktail of pathogens such as malaria. Nevertheless, zika arbovirus, dengue or yellow fever. Therefore, And it turns out that in a few decades. However, this species of mosquito in particular has evolved to target a single species in quasi-exclusivity: We !
From the point of view of biologists, it is a very interesting transition. we now know how mosquitoes In addition, This suggests that to survive by depending on a single species. In addition, they had to develop incredibly precise targeting strategies that the researchers tried to understand. Therefore, Their final objective: to determine precisely the mechanisms that allow mosquitoes to identify humans.
“We have more or less immersed in the brain of mosquitoes to ask them: what do you feel? Moreover, What activates your neurons, what lights up differently in your brain when you smell the smell of a human? In addition, ”Summarizes Carolyn McBride, professor of evolutionary biology, ecology and neuroscience at Princeton University.“
A treasure hunt based on odors – We now know how mosquitoes
To achieve this, researchers have developed a very visual approach. Moreover, They produced a Genetically modified strain mosquito whose nerve structures selectively light up when activated. However, They then put these mosquitoes in contact with animal odors. However, including human, to try to see more clearly in we now know how mosquitoes this mechanism using an imaging system specially designed for the occasion.
The problem is that there are as many human odors as individuals. Therefore, And for good reason: this smell comes from a very complex cocktail of dozens of organic compounds. The researchers therefore suspected that mosquitoes were reacting to a very particular combination. But how to find it?
Without the slightest initial track, they had no choice but to proceed empirically. They started by collecting odors of rats, guinea pigs, quail, sheep and dogs. But for humans, it was more complicated; Recolving a “pure” human smell is less obvious than it seems. Indeed, the majority of us regularly use scented hygiene products. Even clothes can considerably alter this odor.
Some volunteers therefore had to give their person. “” “We asked them not to shower for several days. to undress, then to bed in a large teflon bag“, Has fun we now know how mosquitoes Jessica Zung, member of the research team. They then had to develop a system that allowed them to extract and isolate these odors.
A surprisingly simple process
It was still to be determined precisely which compounds are likely to react mosquitoes. The researchers therefore spent long months to submit mosquitoes to lots of combinations of the different compounds identified during. the collection. They then crossed the results to determine the most effective markers.
The researchers expected to discover a very sophisticated tracking system. But the process they identified surprised we now know how mosquitoes them by its simplicity. since it is apparently based only on two very specific organic compounds: the undecunal and the decanal, an aldehyde that is also found in buckwheat, coriander essential oil … or the famous Chanel N°5 ! A good hearing …
The other point that surprised the researchers is the reaction caused by these compounds in the nervous system. The “brain” of mosquitoes is a structure made up of approximately 60 sub-structures called glomerules. The researchers expected the majority These glomerules are involved in the hunt for humans. since it is a vital activity for these mosquitoes; There are in fact only … two.
“When I saw this brain activity for the first time. I didn’t believe it“Explains Zhilei Zhao, a doctoral student who played a central role in this study.”There were only two glomerules involved, which is in contradiction with all our expectations. It’s incredible that this system we now know how mosquitoes is so simpleShe is surprised.
The door open to very concrete solutions
This discovery will potentially have considerable consequences, some of which are very concrete. Because these works were carried out on mosquitoes known to be vectors of very problematic diseases. Now that the researchers have found the chemical compounds that attract them the most. this opens the door to a whole bunch of countermeasures to combat this scourge of public health. For example, it would be enough to use it for Attract into a deadly trap.
we now know how mosquitoes
We can also imagine repellents which would specifically block this signalthus preventing mosquitoes from spotting humans with the smell. It is a solution that is even more interesting. Because even if they are painful, mosquitoes remain leading actors of many ecosystems.
For example, many birds or spiders depend directly on mosquitoes, because they represent a substantial part of their diet. Ideally. it is better to try to keep them away rather than eradicate them, as it could sign the beginning of a Catastrophic chain reaction for certain ecological niches.
Ultimately, it will also be very interesting to extend this work to other species. This will initially allow to see if the mechanism is reserved for these specialized humans hunters. or if it is on the contrary universal in all mosquitoes. If necessary. it would then be possible to develop a simple, harmless and respectful solution to the ecosystem to avoid we now know how mosquitoes serving as a street buffet. Good news for fans of fishing and picnics … but Especially for all the populations of tropical areas whose life can change at all because of a simple. mosquito bite.
The study text is available here.
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Further reading: The mystery of infantile amnesia – An iron deficiency would influence the sexual development of babies – This new culprit disrupts certainties – How to recognize a tiger mosquito bite? These symptoms that should alert you – Rage of raccoon: a refuge concerned with the prohibition to move animals.
