Why do mosquitoes bite you more than your friends? Science reveals the surprising skin chemistry behind it
Ever wondered why, during a summer evening outdoors, you're being relentlessly attacked by mosquitoes while your friends sip their drinks in peace? If you've blamed your blood type or bad luck, science has a more intriguing answer. A groundbreaking study has revealed that your body scent—specifically, the acids your skin emits—might be what's turning you into a mosquito's favourite meal.
A Scent Too Strong to Resist
In a 2022 study conducted by researchers at
The Rockefeller University
and published in the prestigious journal
Cell
, scientists uncovered that certain individuals produce significantly higher levels of
carboxylic acids
on their skin. These acids, a component of natural
body odor
, seem to act as a siren song to
Aedes aegypti
, the mosquito species infamous for spreading diseases like dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever.
The research involved an unusual but telling experiment. Volunteers wore nylon stockings on their arms to collect their body scent. These were then cut into small pieces and placed in chambers with mosquitoes. What followed was a surprising and consistent pattern: the insects flocked to certain samples again and again, completely ignoring others.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime
Techno Mag
Learn More
Undo
Meet 'Subject 33': The Mosquito World's Celebrity
One particular participant, known only as 'Subject 33,' was an irresistible hit. 'They won a hundred games,' said lead researcher Leslie Vosshall. 'They were totally undefeated.' In every round, the mosquitoes were drawn to this subject's scent more than anyone else's. The secret? An unusually high presence of carboxylic acids on their skin.
This isn't just a fluke. These scent-based preferences remained stable over time, suggesting that
mosquito attraction
isn't just about what you eat or what you wear—it's rooted in your body chemistry.
You Might Also Like:
Why is it always the 'Orange Cat'? Scientists uncover the genetic secret that could prove they are freaks of nature
Your Skin's Chemical Climate Matters
Although the study doesn't confirm why mosquitoes are obsessed with carboxylic acids, it strongly suggests that an individual's unique 'skin climate'—the natural cocktail of chemicals we exude—is what seals the deal for mosquitoes.
And while the researchers couldn't strip these acids from the high-attraction subjects to prove their exact role, they did note that human skin odor is a complex blend of many compounds. This study, however, focused exclusively on those with carboxylic acid groups, providing a promising lead in the quest to understand mosquito preferences.
iStock
This scent-based preference, which remains consistent over time, could pave the way for more effective mosquito repellents and disease prevention.
The Bigger Picture: More Than Just Itchy Bites
This isn't just about annoyance. Mosquitoes aren't merely buzzing pests—they are deadly vectors that contribute to over 700 million infections globally each year. Understanding why some people are more prone to bites could change the game in
mosquito control
and repellent design.
Future repellents might target the specific chemical signatures mosquitoes crave, offering more personalized protection—especially crucial for vulnerable populations in disease-prone regions.
You Might Also Like:
What is your favourite colour? Does it really matter, psychologist reveals
So, Why You?
If you've ever joked that you're a 'mosquito magnet,' it might be more scientific than you think. Your skin may be giving off signals that these insects find impossible to ignore. Until science finds a way to mask or neutralize those signals, your best defense might still be the classic combo of repellents, covered clothing, and clever timing.
But at least now, you can say: it's not you. It's your chemistry.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
Expert warns China could be plotting something worse than COVID after bioterror suspects arrested
Chinese bioterror suspects arrested in Michigan spark fears of 'something worse' than COVID, expert warns- Two Chinese nationals arrested in Michigan this week have ignited serious national security concerns, with experts warning that the communist regime may be preparing an even more dangerous bioterror attack than COVID-19. The suspects — Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34 — allegedly smuggled a deadly crop fungus into the United States over two years while conducting research at the University of Michigan, partially funded by the People's Republic of China. Attorney and China expert Gordon Chang says this could be the latest move in a long-term Chinese infiltration plan that threatens both American agriculture and national stability. Chang told Fox News Digital, 'The only way to stop this is to sever relations with China. I know that sounds drastic, but we are going to get hit hard — maybe with something worse than COVID, maybe worse than fentanyl.' Why is Fusarium graminearum being called a bioterror weapon? The biological agent at the center of the case is Fusarium graminearum, a toxic fungus known to cause "head blight" — a disease that devastates crops like wheat, barley, maize, and rice. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, this pathogen causes billions of dollars in agricultural losses globally each year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo But the threat goes beyond crops. The fungus produces toxins that are harmful to humans and livestock, leading to vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects. That's what makes this smuggling case not just an agricultural concern but a potential bioterrorism threat. 'This couple should be sent to Guantánamo,' Chang said. 'This was an attack on the United States, and we're not treating it that way.' Live Events Are Chinese research ties with U.S. universities a national security risk? The suspect Yunqing Jian was working as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan. Her work, in part, was funded by China, raising deeper questions about how China's Communist Party may be using American universities to advance covert biological programs. This is not the first incident. In recent years, multiple Chinese nationals studying in the U.S. have been arrested in connection with espionage, smuggling, and surveillance. In 2020, two Chinese graduate students from the University of Michigan were caught illegally entering a Naval air station in Key West, Florida, and taking photos of defense infrastructure. In 2021, Harvard professor Charles Lieber was convicted for hiding his ties to China's Thousand Talents Program, which incentivizes foreign scientists to leak sensitive technology. In 2022, Ji Chaoqun, a Chinese national at the Illinois Institute of Technology, was convicted of espionage and sentenced to 8 years in prison. In 2024, five Chinese students were charged for photographing military drills at Camp Grayling, a National Guard training site in Michigan, under a joint program with Shanghai's Jiao Tong University. What is China's 'People's War' and how does it relate to the U.S.? The term "People's War" was coined by Mao Zedong, who led China's Communist Party through decades of brutal political persecution. Chang argues that recent actions by Chinese nationals inside the U.S. may align with this long-term strategy, calling it a protracted campaign to wear down American strength from within. 'For a communist party, this strategy has deep meaning,' said Chang. 'Their anti-American propaganda is creating justification for attacks. These are not random acts.' He also cited the 2019 declaration of a People's War by Chinese officials, which may signal a shift from economic competition to covert warfare — including bioterror, cyberattacks, and food supply disruptions. Could China weaponize America's own food supply? Experts are now warning that introducing deadly pathogens like Fusarium graminearum into American agriculture could have devastating ripple effects. 'Imagine walking into your grocery store and finding no bread, cereal, or even pet food,' said Jason Pack, a former FBI supervisory special agent. 'That's how quickly a pathogen like this can wreck our food system.' A widespread infection would: Raise food prices Harm livestock Halt exports Trigger major supply chain disruptions This is not a theoretical threat. In 2020, Americans across all 50 states received unsolicited seed packages from China. Chang says this was 'an attempt to plant invasive species.' More recently, Chinese online retailer Temu has reportedly shipped similar seeds to American consumers. What happens next and is the U.S. doing enough? Jian and Liu have been charged with conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud. But critics argue that such cases are being treated too lightly given the gravity of the threat. Chang warned, 'We can lose our country, even though we're the stronger nation, because we are not defending ourselves with the determination that's needed.' With a pattern of infiltration through education, espionage, and now bioterror, many believe it's time for the U.S. to reassess its relationship with China — especially when it comes to university research, international student programs, and agricultural imports. Is this the beginning of a bigger threat? This week's arrests may just be the latest chapter in a wider strategy. While America focuses on defending against conventional attacks, experts are now urging a shift in priorities — one that includes biological and agricultural threats posed by foreign adversaries like China. Whether through seeds, spyware, or smuggled fungi, the tactics may be subtle — but the potential consequences are massive. FAQs: Q1: What is the Chinese bioterror threat in the U.S.? Chinese nationals were caught smuggling a dangerous crop fungus, raising fears of biological attacks. Q2: Why are Chinese bioterror suspects linked to U.S. universities? Some suspects were studying in U.S. universities, with ties to Chinese government-funded programs.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh health minister reports department's progress as NDA govt marks 1 year
Vijayawada: Marking the completion of one year of NDA governance in Andhra Pradesh, medical and health minister Satya Kumar Yadav presented a comprehensive progress report on the department's achievements under the coalition govt's rule. Addressing the media on Saturday, the minister emphasised that the NDA govt was committed to delivering on its promises and governing with integrity. "We are striving to provide better governance than what we promised, without betraying the people's trust. NDA is not just an alliance—it's in our DNA to act in line with the people's sentiments," he said. The health minister highlighted significant developments in the health sector over the past year, which he termed 'revolutionary.' A key milestone was the construction of 3,318 Ayushman health centres within just 12 months. He noted that the Centre had awarded AP a performance-based incentive of ₹100 crore, the highest in the country under this category. The State received a total of ₹1,065 crore under the CSR model, which supported infrastructure and service enhancements. A major diagnostic push led to 7.2 crore lab tests conducted across the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "In the last five years, only 13 IPHL labs existed. In our one year, we've added 13 more," stated Satya Kumar. Doctors' attendance in govt hospitals also showed a significant rise, from 7.42% to 14.2%. This led to an eight percent increase in outpatient visits. Satya Kumar concluded by stating that the NDA govt remains committed to transparency, responsibility, and people-centric reforms in the healthcare sector.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Elon Musk suffers from hypomania': Dr Drew Pinsky breaks down Tesla CEO's 'abnormal' behavior
Dr Drew said Elon Musk might be bipolar. Addiction medicine specialist Dr Drew Pinsky broke down Elon Musk's abnormal behavior that prompted an exchange of salvos with President Donald Trump. Appearing on Newsmax to discuss on Elon Musk's Asperger's syndrome that Musk himself admitted in 2021 on Saturday Night Live, Dr Pinsky said there's more than just Asperger's. Dr Pinsky said he respect Elon Musk, read his biography and thinks he is a great guy, a very successful man but there is a flip side of that success that Musk probably has hypomania. Dr Pinsky said he got to know from Musk's biography that Musk had has phases of hypomanic binges where he worked for hours without sleeping. Musk probably suffers from hypomania that many successful people have. Hypomania has the risk of turning into mania which makes one irritable with a lack of risk assessment which means they can't grasp the significance or the repercussion of what they are doing. "Is he bipolar, I don't know," Dr Pinsky said adding to what Donald Trump called as Trump Derangement System. Talking about Elon Musk's outburst over the Big, Beautiful Bill, Trump said Elon Musk is probably missing the White House and getting affected Trump Derangement Syndrome, something that he came up with to describe the condition of his detractors. But it was not just a hilarious comment, the Newsmax panel commented adding that not being able to accept change is associated with Asperger's syndrome. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트 최대 할인 지원해드려요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo Elon Musk raged on his social media platform X calling Donald Trump ungrateful, liar and then made the massive allegation that Trump was named in Epstein Files and that's why the administration was not releasing it. According to reports, this took the fight beyond any repair and Donald Trump rejected to even talk about Elon Musk. A day later, Musk deleted that particular post. Musk spoke extensively about his Asperger's and said he grew up with it. The social cues were not intuitive to him and he used to take things very literally, he said on one occasion. He took time to realize that people were not saying what they meant.
