Overview

• 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.