'Eu de human' to the rescue
2006-07-04 10:50
London - Scientists are determined to even
the score with mosquitoes by developing bug repellents using
chemicals in human body odour that the insects hate.
They have isolated chemicals in the odour of people who
don't get bitten and hope to use them to improve controls to
prevent the spread of insect-borne diseases such as malaria,
dengue and yellow fever in developing countries.
"Those of us who don't get bitten by mosquitoes produce
unattractive chemicals, which mask their otherwise attractive
odours," said Professor John Pickett of Rothamsted Research.
"It's extra chemicals that they produce. I think these
convey some message to the insect that the would-be host is not
as suitable as another individual," he added in an interview on Monday.
Pickett and researchers from Aberdeen University in Scotland
used a technique known as gas chromatography-electroantennography to identify which components
of the odour mosquitoes can detect.
They are currently comparing their impact to insect
repellents approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
So far results have been promising, according to the
researchers. In addition to mosquitoes, they are also looking at
tics and other disease-carrying insects.
"By plugging into something that is such a fundamental part
of the insects' ecology, it gives you the opportunity to get
something that will be much more potent," said Pickett.
The scientists, who have submitted their findings for
publication in a scientific journal, are still working on
formulations for the repellent to ensure it lasts for a long
time.
They are demonstrating the techniques they used to detect
the chemicals at The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition
that opens on Monday.
Because it is such a potent repellent, Pickett said it may
not be necessary to apply it to the skin. Putting it on the
cuffs of a shirt or trousers may be enough to keep the bugs
away.
They hope to develop a formula that will be marketed within
about two years.