Pests , Human Skin, Biofilms….Bite Me!

The Silent Role of Biofilms in Chronic Disease Forums Biofilm Community The Human Ecosystem Pests , Human Skin, Biofilms….Bite Me!

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    • #3128 Score: 0
      Harrison
      Keymaster
        2 pts

        I am not sure if this research relates to the biofilm life cycle (e.g., the the maturity of polymicrobial biofilms on human skin), but time will tell.

        I salute the researchers for designing this experiment. I’d love to find out more. I will eventually listen to the podcast; source article and that found here:

        Microbes Make Some People Smell Delicious To Mosquitoes: Scientific American Podcast
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        Microbes Make Some People Smell Delicious To Mosquitoes

        Tuesday, January 3, 2012

        Ever wondered why mosquitoes eat some people up but leave others relatively unscathed? A new study finds that this preferential treatment is due to the smells produced by the microscopic critters that cover our bodies. The research is in the journal Public Library of Science ONE. [Niels O. Verhulst et al, Composition of Human Skin Microbiota Affects Attractiveness to Malaria Mosquitoes]

        To a mosquito, every human has a particular smell. And the differences are due in part to the particular bacteria on each individual’s skin.

        The study tested the malaria-transmitting Anopheles gambiae mosquito’s attraction to the odors of 50 adult men. The participants avoided items, such as garlic, that would change their natural smell.

        Researchers collected the male scents by rubbing glass beads on the bottom of each participant’s foot, and swabbed the same skin for microbes. And they discovered that mosquitoes preferred the smell of skin with more abundant—but less diverse—bacterial communities.

        The scientists suggest that the diverse communities may include some microbes that produce compounds mosquitoes naturally dislike. If further research can identify these compounds, it could lead to the development of repellents to make bloodthirsty mosquitoes buzz off.

        —Sophie Bushwick

        [The above text is a transcript of this podcast]

      • #3499 Score: 0
        adiposestem
        Member

          WOW!!This is very great and it was very interesting. I also salute those researchers behind this success. Good job!

        • #3129 Score: 0
          Anonymous
          Guest

            Well!!According to me that skin is very sensitive part of the body.So we should be take care of the skin.According to me that vegetarian foods,milk and fresh fruits are
            so good for keep good fitness of the skin.I am very care full abou the skin matters…

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