Cyphers and cycles – A chemical basis of the differential attraction of mosquitoes to human odor

iScience 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Annika Hinze, Anaïs K. Tallon, Betelehem Wondwosen, Mengistu Dawit, Sharon R. Hill, Björn Bohman, Rickard Ignell
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.115575
Cited by: 2
References: 79

Abstract

, demonstrating that pregnancy or menstrual cycle phase significantly contributed to the individual level of attractiveness. Chemical and electrophysiological analyses of whole body odor samples identified 27 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) potentially involved in regulating the level of human attractiveness to mosquitoes. Behavioral assays further demonstrated that 1-octen-3-ol-present in the body odor of highly attractive participants and pregnant individuals-and the overall blend ratio of VOCs are sufficient to modulate mosquito preferences. Our findings suggest that multiple chemical motifs contribute to the heterogeneity in human attractiveness to mosquitoes.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies Insect Pheromone Research and Control

Publication details

Journal / source
iScience
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
29
Issue
5
Pages
115575–115575
Publication date
2 April 2026
Language
EN