mosquitoes – envirobites

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Animal behavior Human Exposure and Public Health

Into the Brains of Mosquitoes – Finding out how they find us

August 20, 2022August 20, 2022 Brandi Pessman 0 Comments brains, Humans, mosquitoes, odors, viruses

It’s all fun and games outdoors until mosquitoes crash the party. Female mosquitoes need protein-rich human blood for energy to produce eggs. While an itchy bump follows most bites, some can transfer harmful viruses, like Zika and dengue. Mosquitoes are experts at finding human hosts, and now scientists have discovered how. Mosquito brains may give insights into new strategies to control mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.

Climate Environmental Science

Mosquitoes in Winter (what the..?)

February 19, 2020February 22, 2020 Whitney Kroschel 0 Comments adaptation, Climate Change, insect, invasive species, mosquitoes

In many regions witnessing a mosquito in winter is common. Though many mosquitoes die off when temperatures get too cold outside, many of them don’t. It all depends on the species; and with warming climates, we can expect to see a lot more of them in the coming decades.

Environmental Science Human Exposure and Public Health Toxicology

A mosquito’s feet think you stink: Researchers discover what makes DEET the most effective insect repellent on the market

July 22, 2019July 29, 2019 Laine Farber 0 Comments DEET, disease, insect repellent, mosquitoes, toxicology

When covered in widely used insect repellent DEET, a mosquito’s mouth thinks you are good enough to eat. But their legs would beg to differ. A recent study by scientist at Rockefeller University finally explains why DEET is the most effective bug repellent.