Podcast: DEET, Mesquite, and Mutant Mosquitoes
Why do some mosquitoes bite us? How do mosquitoes spread disease? What can we do to prevent getting “eaten alive?”
Scientists Matt DeGennaro, Lindy McBride, and Emily Dennis from the Vosshall Lab of Neurogenetics and Behavior at Rockefeller discuss their latest research on Aedes aegypti — the mosquito that carries Dengue and yellow fever. We talk about the importance of a specific gene called ORCO (Odorant Receptor Co-receptor), and it’s role in human host seeking.
This episode also includes a Behind the Buzz segment by Gabrielle Rabinowitz, who discusses gene patenting, and what it means for society.
Further Reading:
Mosquitoes
- Mutant Mosquito Solves Mysteries of Attraction and Repulsion
- orco mutant mosquitoes lose strong preference for humans and are not repelled by volatile DEET (paywall)
- A Mosquito That Won’t Ruin a Barbecue
Behind the Buzz
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