Scientists Identify Key Smell Receptor That Helps Mosquitoes Avoid Camphor-Based Repellents
Jerusalem - Researchers from an international team spanning China, Israel, the United States, and Sweden have identified a crucial odor receptor in mosquitoes that enables them to detect and avoid natural insect-repelling compounds such as borneol, a substance commonly found in camphor oil.
Jerusalem - Researchers from an international team spanning China, Israel, the United States, and Sweden have identified a crucial odor receptor in mosquitoes that enables them to detect and avoid natural insect-repelling compounds such as borneol, a substance commonly found in camphor oil.
The study, conducted by scientists at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, revealed that the receptor known as OR49 plays a central role in how mosquitoes respond to these compounds. The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.
According to the researchers, activation of the OR49 receptor triggers neural signals that suppress mosquitoes’ attraction to human odors, causing them to fly away. However, when this receptor is genetically disabled, mosquitoes no longer avoid borneol, confirming its key role in repellent detection.
The receptor was found to be active across several major mosquito species, including those responsible for transmitting diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. Behavioral experiments showed that mosquitoes exposed to borneol spent significantly less time near human skin.
Toward More Effective and Eco-Friendly Mosquito Control
The discovery comes at a critical time, as mosquitoes are becoming increasingly resistant to conventional chemical repellents. At the same time, concerns over environmental and health impacts of traditional insecticides continue to grow.
By targeting the sensory systems of mosquitoes particularly how they detect and respond to specific odors scientists believe it may be possible to develop next-generation repellents that are more precise, longer-lasting, and safer for both humans and ecosystems.
Ancient Knowledge Meets Modern Science
The study also provides historical insight into the long-standing use of camphor and borneol. These substances were widely traded from Borneo to China and along maritime Silk Road routes, valued not only for their fragrance and medicinal properties but also for their insect-repelling effects.
The identification of the OR49 receptor helps explain the scientific basis behind the effectiveness of these traditional natural compounds, which continue to be used in modern applications today.
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