BrainStuff Season 2 Episode 14 Are Some People Immune To Mosquitoes?

Are Some People Immune To Mosquitoes? That's the question tackled in season 2, episode 14 of BrainStuff. Mosquitoes are infamous for their itchy, irritating bites, but for some lucky people, mosquitoes just don't seem to be interested. In this episode, host Christian Sager explores the science behind why some people appear to be immune to mosquitoes.

The episode begins with a quick overview of what we know about mosquitoes and their bites. Christian explains that only female mosquitoes bite humans and other animals – they need the protein in blood to produce eggs. Mosquito bites are irritating because of the saliva that they inject into the skin while they feed. This saliva contains proteins that trigger an immune response in the body, causing redness, swelling, and itching.

Next, Christian introduces the idea that some people may be immune to mosquitoes. He interviews Dr. Jonathan Day, a medical entomologist at the University of Florida, who explains that there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that some people are less attractive to mosquitoes than others. Dr. Day explains that there are a few factors that may contribute to this, including genetics, metabolism, and even the types of bacteria on a person's skin.

To explore the genetics of mosquito attraction, Christian speaks with Dr. James Logan, a molecular entomologist at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Dr. Logan conducted a study in which he exposed different groups of identical and fraternal twins to mosquitoes. He found that identical twins were more likely to have similar levels of attractiveness to mosquitoes than fraternal twins, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to mosquito attraction. However, Dr. Logan notes that we haven't yet identified the specific genes that might be involved.

The episode also covers the role that metabolism plays in mosquito attraction. Christian explains that when we metabolize food, we release certain chemicals through our skin that mosquitoes can detect. Some people may metabolize these chemicals differently from others, making them less attractive to mosquitoes. Christian interviews Dr. Frederic Tripet, a molecular geneticist at Keele University, who has studied the molecular basis of mosquito attraction. Dr. Tripet explains that there are certain compounds that mosquitoes are particularly drawn to, such as lactic acid and ammonia, which are produced during metabolism. However, he notes that there is still a lot we don't know about how these compounds interact with mosquitoes.

Finally, the episode explores the role of skin bacteria in mosquito attraction. Many different types of bacteria live on our skin, and some may produce chemicals that are attractive or repellant to mosquitoes. Christian interviews Dr. Laura Duvall, a biologist at North Carolina State University, who has studied the role of skin bacteria in mosquito attraction. Dr. Duvall explains that some people may have bacteria on their skin that act as a natural mosquito repellent, while others may have bacteria that attract mosquitoes. She notes that this is an area of research that is still in its early stages, and there is much more to learn about the complex interactions between skin bacteria and mosquitoes.

Overall, BrainStuff season 2, episode 14 tackles a fascinating topic that many of us can relate to – our experiences with mosquito bites. The episode provides scientific insights into why some people may be immune to mosquito bites, and highlights the many factors that contribute to mosquito attraction. It's an informative and engaging look at a topic that affects millions of people around the world.