Entomologists at University of California found components that can help develop inexpensive and safe mosquito repellents for combating West Nine virus and other tropical diseases. When fruit flies undergo stress, they emit CO2 to let other flies know and escape. Their antennae are equipped with specialized neurons that are sensitive to the gas. However, important food sources also emit CO2 as a by-product of respiration and ripening. The researchers found odours that prevent the CO2 sensitive neurons in the antennae from fountaining. This is effect because the CO2 emitted in human breath is the main attractant for the mosquito.
Reference: Science Daily
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