All articles tagged with #skin chemistry
A new review compiles years of work showing mosquitoes locate humans via chemical cues: CO2 in breath guides them from afar, then skin-emitted compounds like carboxylic acids (and related molecules such as 1-octen-3-ol) attract them up close; the skin microbiome and certain pathogens can tilt the balance toward more bites, informing potential repellents and skin-microbiome approaches to reduce transmission risk.
A new video by the American Chemical Society explains why some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Research has found that people with higher levels of carboxylic acids on their skin, specifically pentadecanoic, heptadecanoic, and nonadecanoic acids, are more likely to be bitten. These acids are associated with the intake of dairy fat and are found in fat and vegetable oils. Additionally, the type and volume of bacteria on the skin can increase the chance of mosquito bites. Other factors that make individuals more attractive to mosquitoes include exercise, sweat production, carbon dioxide emission, pregnancy, genetics, and blood type. To avoid mosquito bites, experts recommend wearing bug repellent, covering exposed areas, and using topical treatments for itch relief.