Scientists come up with a reliable natural remedy for mosquitoes

In the new research scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem say that readily available natural cellulose can effectively protect human skin from mosquito bites.

Cellulose molecules, when treated with sulfuric acid, are combined into nanocrystals, which form a strong but transparent barrier film. When mixed with water and a small amount of glycerin, it can be easily applied to the skin as a spray or gel.

These crystals form not so much protection as camouflage - they block signals that attract female mosquitoes. In an experiment as part of the study, the hand with the applied gel was bitten 80% less than the hand without this barrier.

Further studies showed that the crystalline coating blocked the passage of ammonium hydroxide vapor - a common attractant mosquitoes.

The advantage in the use of such compounds is also that natural cellulose is obtained in abundance from the waste of the woodworking industry, as well as food and paper waste.

The study shows the promise of developing cheap, transparent natural compounds that could block the release of chemicals from the skin that attract female mosquitoes to bloody feast.

Today, mosquitoes cause about 350 million human diseases every year, and their number, will undoubtedly increase as climate change increases the number of disease carriers insects.

One of the recent research even showed that the bleeding season could be extended due to light pollution. In other words, over time, the problem will become more and more urgent.