Study shows how mosquitoes can “smell” humans

Researchers at Rockefeller University in New York and the Department of Biology at Boston University have determined that mosquitoes have an “odor receptor” mechanism, the system behind their ability to approach humans. This discovery was published in the scientific journal cell.

According to the work, the human body secretes a mixture of body odor, heat and carbon dioxide, which may vary depending on the individual. This combination in particular is able to attract mosquitoes close to humans, practically acting as a form of location.

Animals, in general, have specific neurons to recognize each type of odor, but in the case of mosquitoes, according to research, they have more resources to capture odors, and through different pathways.

One finding that surprised scientists about the insect is that they were able to find people who bite them even after human odor-sensitive proteins were removed from the genome.

Experts examined odor receptors found on mosquito antennae, which bind to chemicals in the environment and send signals to the brain via nerve cells.

The analysis showed that different receptors can respond to different odors in the same neuron, and there is not just one type of receptor associated with each neuron.

In other words, losing one or more receptors does not affect the mosquito’s ability to smell humans. The form of the “reserve system” was understood as the insect’s survival mechanism.

He is considered an “expert” at biting humans Aedes aegypti They evolved this way because humans are always close to fresh water, where they lay their eggs. Researchers say human fluids are the perfect meal, which is why this instinct is so strong.

The study also highlights the importance of understanding the insect brain’s ability to process human odor, a way to try to interfere with mosquito behavior. This measure would significantly reduce the spread of diseases transmitted by this vector, such as dengue, yellow fever and malaria.

They state, for example, that understanding how human odor is represented in the antennae and brain of mosquitoes would make it possible to develop blends that are more attractive to mosquitoes than to humans. Or even create repellents that target receptors and neurons that detect human scent.

“This is a fantastic discovery not only from a basic biology point of view, but also from a disease control point of view, because it opens an open door,” said scientist Marta Andres Miguel, from the University of London, who was not involved in the work. Finding new ways to develop new tools to control mosquitoes, whether to attract them into traps or to repel them and avoid human bites.