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DEET repellent works by blocking human odor from mosquitoes mongabay.com March 13, 2008
While scientists have long known that mosquitoes are attracted to body odor and carbon dioxide, it has been unclear exactly how chemicals like DEET deterred blood-sucking insects. Now, by pinpointing DEET's molecular target in insects, researchers at Rockefeller University have shown that the repellent masking human odors that attract mosquitoes and other blood-feeding insects. "Mosquitoes are strongly attracted to odors in human breath and sweat, including carbon dioxide, lactic acid and an alcohol-based compound called 1-octen-3-ol. Different receptors within their olfactory system detect these odors, among others, and lead them to their prey," explained a statement from Rockefeller University. "DEET simply interferes with the proper functioning of odorant receptors, making the hunt for a tasty meal all the more difficult."
DEET is recognized as the most effective insect repellent but there are lingering concerns over its health effects. Vosshall says the discovery of how DEET works "is the first step in making significantly better insect repellents." News index | RSS | Add to MyYahoo! Advertisements: Organic Apparel from Patagonia | Insect-repelling clothing |
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