Reasons why some people get bitten by mosquitoes more often.

While some people are alwaysmosquito bitesOthers, however, are not bothered by this insect at all. Scientists have now figured out why some people attract mosquitoes while others do not.

According to new research published in the journal.Current colorBody odor can turn you into a mosquito magnet. These tiny insects can smell humans from up to 100 meters away.

The data analysis is based on the African malaria mosquito species, Anopheles gambiae, released in an outdoor area the size of an ice rink in Zambia. "This is the largest system in the world assessing the olfactory preferences of mosquitoes," said Dr. Diego Giraldo.

A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University (USA) released 200 hungry mosquitoes each night to observe how frequently they landed on heated pads, heated to 35 degrees Celsius and mimicking human skin, placed at equal intervals. Body odor proved to be a more attractive lure than CO2, a signal that is more likely to attract mosquitoes.

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However, further tests showed that the swarm of 200 mosquitoes was also very picky about what they ate.

Dr. Conor McMeniman explained: "Mosquitoes hunt for several hours before and after midnight. They follow human scent and typically bite between 10 PM and 2 AM. We wanted to assess the olfactory preferences of mosquitoes during their peak activity period when they are out and about, and also evaluate the scent from sleeping humans during that time."

Scientists have identified 40 chemicals emitted by humans at varying levels.

Dr. Stephanie Rankin-Turner said: "We don't yet know exactly which factor—skin secretions, microbial metabolites, or emissions—is causing this. We hope to find that out in the coming years."

According toExpressPeople who attract mosquitoes release large amounts of carboxylic acid produced by bacteria on their skin.

Meanwhile, a volunteer with an unusual scent attracted very few mosquitoes. This person emitted three times the amount of eucalyptol. Eucalyptol is a plant compound found in oils, herbs, and spices. The increased concentration of this substance may be related to diet, but the authors have not yet reached a definitive conclusion.

They hope that this research will lead to the development of more effective mosquito repellents.