Mosquitoes use genes to

Researchers at Yale University (USA) discovered some methods that mosquitoes use to search for "prey". From here, it is possible to develop more effective sprays, or find a way to trap and kill this annoying insect.

Scientists found 50 different genes used by the Anopheles Gambiae strain to "sniff" people. These genes respond to the characteristic "smell" of each "prey" (including the attractive smell of mosquitoes) in different ways.

Each gene controls a receptor in response to a molecule of scent that humans own.

Researcher John Carlson and his colleagues transferred these 50 genes to the neurons of the Drosophila fruit fly for testing.

Normally, fruit flies do not recognize the smell of humans. Therefore, any gene that controls the fruit fly reaches humans, it is also the gene used by mosquitoes.

The analysis of the authors in the journal Nature suggests that the results will have a positive effect on malaria control - one of the most dangerous diseases in the world, killing nearly all lives. 1 million people every year.