Scientists of the University of California have studied the mosquito olfactory neurons and receptors required for attraction to skin odor. In their article in Cell, Tauxe et al. discuss that the analysis of the CO2 receptor ligand space provided them a foundation for understanding host-seeking behaviour. It also enabled them to identify potentially safe, pleasant and addordable for use in a new generation of mosquito control strategies world wide. This would hopefully prevent the transmission of many deadly pathogens such as malaria parasites, dengue viruses and filarial worms which are transmitted by mosquitos to hunderds of millions of people every year. One of the most effective repellent candidates the team of scientsts found was ethyl pyruvate, an additive that gives a fruity rum or caramel flavour to breads, white wine, and cocoa.
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