Mosquitoes sense infrared from body heat to help track humans down, study shows
A study from the University of California, Santa Barbara, reveals that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes detect infrared radiation from body heat, enhancing host-seeking behavior and suggesting new mosquito control strategies.
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A recent study led by researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has revealed that mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes aegypti species, can detect infrared (IR) radiation emitted from human body heat, enhancing their ability to locate hosts. This discovery adds to the understanding of how these insects, known for transmitting diseases like malaria and dengue, utilize multiple sensory cues, including carbon dioxide and human odors, to find their targets. The study found that the presence of IR radiation significantly increased the mosquitoes' host-seeking behavior, effectively doubling their activity when combined with other cues. The researchers identified that the mosquitoes' antennae contain specialized neurons that respond to thermal IR, allowing them to sense heat from a distance of up to 70 cm. This ability to detect IR could inform new strategies for mosquito control, such as improving traps that mimic human body heat. The findings also suggest that wearing loose-fitting clothing can help reduce mosquito bites by dissipating body heat and making it harder for mosquitoes to detect their hosts.
- Mosquitoes can sense infrared radiation from human body heat, aiding in host detection.
- The study found that IR detection significantly enhances host-seeking behavior in mosquitoes.
- Specialized neurons in the antennae of mosquitoes are responsible for detecting thermal IR.
- The findings could lead to improved mosquito control methods, including more effective traps.
- Loose-fitting clothing may help prevent mosquito bites by dissipating body heat.
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