Research: skin microbes to deter mosquito bites

Press release:

[Four orgs] Awarded $15M by DARPA to Develop Skin Microbiome-based Mosquito Repellent
“Key Takeaways

• Awarded $15M by DARPA to develop skin microbiome-based mosquito repellent
• Program aims to maintain the health of military personnel operating in regions highly affected by mosquito-borne diseases
• Goal is to create a safe product that can be easily applied to the skin and provide protection against mosquito bites for up to two weeks without reapplication”

News report: Biotech companies unite to engineer a better mosquito repellent

DARPA ReVector program

My reaction: The sooner the better. Can’t stand DEET, other repellents have problems including limited lifetimes. One application lasting TWO WEEKS seems like a pipe dream.

— Rex