Mosquitoes Are Feeding on Us More Often - And Scientists Say We're to Blame
ScienceAlert • • general
Key Points:
- Research in Brazil's Atlantic Forest shows mosquitoes are increasingly feeding on humans as biodiversity declines, likely due to habitat loss and reduced availability of other animals.
- The study analyzed over 1,700 mosquitoes and found human blood in 24 samples, significantly more than other animals such as birds, amphibians, rodents, and canids.
- Scientists suggest that deforestation and human encroachment force mosquitoes to rely more on humans as their primary blood source, raising concerns about increased disease transmission.
- Researchers emphasize the need for improved mosquito capture methods and further study to better understand feeding patterns and enhance disease prevention efforts.
