Engineered Skin Microbes Offer Long-Lasting Mosquito Repellent

New research shows genetically modified bacteria can significantly reduce mosquito attraction for up to 11 days.

Scientists have altered common skin bacteria to produce less mosquito-attracting lactic acid.
Tests on mice showed a reduction in mosquito attraction by up to 64.4% with engineered bacteria.
The repellent effect of the modified microbes lasts significantly longer than traditional repellents like DEET.
Mosquitoes are less likely to bite mice treated with the engineered bacteria.
Further trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of the repellent on humans.