Can mosquiti perceive a new born baby
What an interesting question!
Mosquitoes have a highly developed sense of smell and can detect certain chemicals, such as lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are emitted by humans. These chemicals help mosquitoes locate their hosts and detect potential mates.
Newborn babies, however, have a unique scent that is different from that of adults. This is because their skin has a different composition of fatty acids, amino acids, and other chemicals, which are influenced by their diet and environment during fetal development.
Research suggests that mosquitoes may not be able to detect the scent of newborn babies as easily as they can detect the scent of adults. Here's why:
- Different skin chemistry: Newborn babies have a higher concentration of fatty acids, such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, on their skin, which may not be as attractive to mosquitoes as the skin chemistry of adults.
- Lower carbon dioxide emissions: Newborn babies produce less carbon dioxide than adults, which is a key attractant for mosquitoes. This is because their metabolism is slower, and they don't produce as much waste as adults.
- Unique VOCs: Newborn babies have a distinct set of VOCs on their skin, which may not be as recognizable to mosquitoes as the VOCs emitted by adults.
Studies have shown that mosquitoes are less likely to be attracted to newborn babies than to adults. One study found that mosquitoes were only attracted to newborn babies at a rate of about 10-20% compared to adults, who were attracted at a rate of around 80-90%.
It's worth noting that while mosquitoes may not be as attracted to newborn babies, they can still bite them. However, the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and Zika virus, is generally lower for newborn babies than for adults.
In summary, while mosquitoes can detect certain chemicals emitted by humans, including newborn babies, their ability to detect the scent of newborns may be reduced due to the unique skin chemistry and lower carbon dioxide emissions of these tiny humans.