Mozzies could be drawn by our body odour genes

WHETHER we’re bitten often or rarely by mosquitoes could be down to the same genes that decide our body odour.
Researchers studying why some of us are ignored by mosquitoes while others are eaten alive carried out tests with identical and non-identical twins.
The twins put their hands into special tunnels where their scent was then channelled towards swarms of the insects, which found the mozzies showed no preference between identical twins. But with non-identical twins, who share fewer genes, the insects were more likely to tend towards one hand or the other.
The scientists believe this could show mosquitoes are attracted by scents produced by particular genes, and are now looking to pinpoint which genes.
Dr James Logan, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: “If we understand the genetic basis for variation between individuals it could be possible to develop bespoke ways to control mosquitoes better, and develop new ways to repel them.”