Scientists weaned mosquitoes drink blood and spread disease

Some mosquito species are actively spreading a huge number of deadly diseases, which includes yellow fever and zika virus. They are transferred between organisms while drinking the blood, so the scientists decided to come up with a method of appetite control dangerous bloodsuckers. They found that for hunger they responsible for the same receptor that in humans, and therefore thought that to solve the problem, you can use human drugs to suppress appetite.

Комар

The study was conducted by a team of scientists under the leadership of Laura Duvall, Professor at the Rockefeller University. They knew that when saturated with blood, female mosquitoes produce special molecules called neuropeptides. In organisms the mosquitoes, they activate the neuroreceptors, which prevent the feeling of hunger until, until you need another dose of blood.

Researchers began to wonder whether they will be able to control the appetite of insects by influencing neuroreceptors substances. Their mind had a lot of options, but they settled on the simplest — the scientists decided to feed mosquitoes in human medicine to suppress appetite. The fact that the hunger of people and mosquitoes respond the same receptors.

To test the effect of drugs, the researchers conducted an experiment. They took two groups of mosquitoes: the first received medication, the second is not. Placing them in a container with a live mouse, they found that the first group practically did not touch the animal, and the second began to actively feed on his blood.

Spraying the changing appetite of substances in the habitat of the mosquito threat, the scientists can stop the spread of disease. However, there is one problem — airborne substances can reduce even the human appetite. To prevent this, scientists intend to create matter, which affects only receptors available to mosquitoes.

How do you escape from mosquitoes? Write your answers in the comments, and to discuss other news of science and technology invite you to our chat in Telegram!


Date:

by