Bill Gates Foundation Funds Experimental Insect Repellent
The Bill Gates Foundation has funded yet another mosquito-related venture, with UC Riverside researchers developing an experimental set of new chemicals that aim to inhibit the carbon-dioxide receptors of mosquitoes and flies. The announcement comes after the Bill Gates Foundation has already admitted to funding the development of genetically modified self-sterilizing mosquitoes, and purchasing 500,000 shares of the biotech company Monsanto.
The Los Angeles Times reports:
The types of odor molecules work in three ways. The first set inhibits mosquitoes’ and flies’ carbon-dioxide receptors. The second set mimics carbon dioxide. The third set overstimulates carbon-dioxide-sensing neurons, making them unable to detect CO2 for several minutes.
Though the compounds haven’t yet been approved for use in humans, UC Riverside researchers think they might be used to create traps that could replace the bulky and expensive CO2-spewing models in use today.
“Odor molecules that mimic carbon dioxide activity … can lead to the development of small and inexpensive lures to trap mosquitoes — a great benefit, especially to developing countries,” said Anandasankar Ray, an assistant professor of entomology at UC Riverside, in a press release.
The research, which included wind-tunnel experiments and other tests, tested the compounds on three disease-carrying mosquitoes: Anopheles gambiae (which transits malaria), Aedes aegypti (dengue and yellow fever) and Culex quinquefasciatus (West Nile virus and filariasis, also known as elephantiasis).
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Anthony is the Editor of NaturalSociety, producer, consultant, and seeker of truth. Anthony's work has been read by millions worldwide and is routinely featured on major alternative and mainstream news website alike, like the powerful Drudge Report, NaturalNews, Infowars, and many others. Anthony has appeared, oftentimes routinely, on programs like Russia Today (RT), The Alex Jones Show, Coast to Coast AM, and others. Anthony is also a founding member of Natural Attitude and the creator of the independent political website Storyleak
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I sure hope this works and is made affordable. The repellant could very well be what keeps the number of disease cases like dengue and malaria in check.