Georgia Tech Maps Mosquito Flight in 3-D, Finds CO2 Draws Bites to Head and Shoulders
Updated
Updated · WSB Atlanta · May 22
Georgia Tech Maps Mosquito Flight in 3-D, Finds CO2 Draws Bites to Head and Shoulders
3 articles · Updated · WSB Atlanta · May 22
Georgia Tech researchers used a mesh-suited student and 3-D mapping to track mosquito flight paths, finding swarms clustered around the head and shoulders rather than the rest of the body.
Tests pointed to exhaled carbon dioxide as the main lure for Georgia’s yellow fever mosquito, while researchers also compared dark and light fabrics to isolate other attraction cues.
Dr. David Hu said existing mosquito traps do not work well, and the team now aims to build better ones based on how the insects actually locate people outdoors.
The work comes as summer heat and wetter weather boost mosquito activity in Georgia, where the insects are both a nuisance and a disease risk worldwide.
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