1) Researchers used computer modeling to develop mosquito-resistant clothing that prevented 100 percent of bites in a test. The clothing was modeled to prevent bites from Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that carries diseases like Zika, Dengue fever and yellow fever.
2) A volunteer wore the clothing in a cage with 200 live mosquitos for 10 minutes and did not receive any bites in the test. The clothing consisted of an undergarment and a combat shirt initially designed for the military.
3) The researchers have a patent to commercially make the clothing for sale. This technology could enable companies to make everyday type clothing that are mosquito bite resistant.
Take Home Message: A new type of clothing developed through computer modeling prevented 100 percent of mosquito bites in a test. This technology can help make everyday type clothings that are mosquito resistant.
Journal source: Insects
Mosquito-textile physics: A mathematical roadmap to insecticide-free, bite-proof clothing for everyday life
July 13, 2021