Wonder Patch

        When the hot weather of summer comes around, what is the most annoying and itch-inducing creature that comes to life? This creature would be the mosquito. They make you itchy after they bite you and are known to be the number one killing machines in the world. The saliva of the mosquito is an anti-coagulant, where histamine enters the skin and the swelling begins. One of the various diseases that is transmitted by mosquitoes is malaria. In the United States and other first world countries, we do not have the severe problem as countries that are less fortunate. To prevent mosquitoes from biting us, we have created many products that are not as effective as advertised. This is because sometimes the products are filled with harmful chemicals. 

          Dr. Anandasnkar Ray of University of California Riverside, has found a solution with the help of his research team and financial supporters such as Bill Gates and the National Institute of Health (NIH). This solution is a product is called Kite Patch. This small patch blocks the sensors of the mosquitoes from detecting us. In the article, it states that mosquitoes detect human beings by the exhalation of CO2. Mosquitoes are able to detect us from miles away and also use their other senses when they are near us. These patches use unharmful chemicals and odors that disrupt the sensory receptors of the mosquitoes. The idea of the patches came from CO2 emitted by fruits and how fruit flies respond to it. "We found that ripening fruits have simple odor molecules that can block the fruit fly carbon dioxide receptor proteins." They were able to use this idea on the mosquitoes to create the same response. These patches can last between 24 to 48 hours and can be worn on our clothes instead of our skin. 

          As of now, they are still going through some last steps before they can launch this product in the markets. They are testing the patch in Uganda, where malaria is being transmitted by the mosquitoes. One of the last questions they want to answer before the patches can be sold in stores is "will the patches work just as well in the morning as it does at night?" Plus, "will it fall off clothes easily?" And, "would it be as effective in the harsh environment?"  So far, the patches are proven to be outstanding in the confined laboratory.

https://www.wired.com/2013/08/this-little-sticker-works-like-an-anti-mosquito-forcefield/

http://magazine.ucr.edu/44