Curious Cases Don't Bite Me!
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May 23, 2025 Professor Leslie Vosshall from Rockefeller University and Professor Sarah Reece from Edinburgh University join for a hilarious dive into the world of mosquitoes. They debate why some humans attract these pests more than others, revealing the crucial role of unique scents. With funny sock experiments, they determine who has the stinkiest feet. The episode also uncovers the fascinating biology of female mosquitoes and their insatiable blood-feeding quests, as well as the cunning adaptation of malaria parasites within these insects.
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Hannah's Swollen Mosquito Bite
- Hannah once had a mosquito bite so swollen on her cheek it looked like a CD.
- Her date was initially supportive but was shocked by the severe swelling upon seeing her in person.
Mosquito Biting Mechanism
- Female mosquitoes inject saliva acting as anesthetic and anticoagulant to obtain blood without immediate pain.
- Their proboscis is a finely evolved structure designed to locate capillaries and draw blood efficiently.
Why Some People Attract Mosquitoes
- Some people appear mosquito magnets due to their body odor, attracting mosquitoes up to 100 times more.
- The intensity of their immune reaction to bites does not correlate with their attractiveness to mosquitoes.