Mosquitoes pick their targets
2005-01-21 13:55
London - Scientists say they have found the answer to why some people are more tempting targets for mosquitoes, Sky News reports.
A UK research student, James Logan, found that some people produce natural mosquito repellents - giving off a "masking" odour that makes them less attractive to mosquitoes.
Logan and Prof Jenny Mordue from the University of Aberdeen, looked at how yellow fever mosquitoes behaved when exposed to the odour of volunteers.
"We know certain chemicals attract mosquitoes. We believe everyone has these. But people who are unattractive to mosquitoes have something extra," Logan said.
The finding could lead to new types of insect sprays and lotions.