The video discusses why some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others, and whether this is due to genetic factors. The host, Derek, visits a mosquito lab at New Mexico State University where he meets Professor Immo Hansen, who feeds mosquitoes with his own blood. Derek participates in a Y-tube test to see if mosquitoes are attracted to him, and the results show that they are.
Derek then compares his attractiveness to mosquitoes with his wife Raquel's, and the results show that he is more attractive. To further investigate, they both take a DNA test through 23andMe, which reveals that they have different genetic variants associated with mosquito attractiveness. The test results suggest that Derek's genetics make him more attractive to mosquitoes, while Raquel's genetics make her less attractive.
The video also discusses a study that found that mosquito attractiveness is hereditary, similar to height or IQ, and that understanding the genetic relationship between humans and mosquitoes is important for public health, as mosquitoes have a significant impact on human health, particularly through the transmission of diseases like malaria. The video ends with Derek discussing his own DNA test results, which reveal his ancestry and provide insight into the information that can be gleaned from genetic testing.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Mosquitoes are more attracted to some people than others.
2. The reason for this attraction is at least partially genetic.
3. 23andMe has been involved in research that identified specific spots on the DNA that make people more or less attractive to mosquitoes.
4. Only female mosquitoes bite, as they need human blood proteins to make eggs.
5. The lifecycle of mosquitoes takes just two weeks.
6. Mosquitoes need a draft to fly towards their target, which is why a fan is used in the Y-tube test.
7. Researchers used the Y-tube test to evaluate the mosquito attractiveness of 18 pairs of identical female twins and 19 pairs of non-identical female twins.
8. The study found that the mosquito attractiveness of twins is correlated, suggesting a genetic influence.
9. The correlation was higher for identical twins, indicating that genetics play a significant role in mosquito attractiveness.
10. 23andMe conducted a genome-wide association study with 16,000 participants to identify genetic factors associated with mosquito attractiveness.
11. The study identified seven particular locations on the DNA that were associated with different levels of attractiveness to mosquitoes.
12. The host's body chemistry changes when they contract malaria, making them more attractive to mosquitoes.
13. Mosquitoes have the greatest impact on human health among all animals.
14. According to some estimates, mosquitoes have killed more than half of the humans who have ever lived.
15. Over a million people die from mosquito-borne illnesses every year.