Interesting Research

Finding Smells That Repel
By SHIRLEY S. WANG

If you're one of those people whom mosquitoes tend to favor, maybe it's because you aren't sufficiently stressed-out.

Insects have very keen powers of smell that direct them to their targets. But for researchers trying to figure out what attracts or repels the pests, sorting through the 300 to 400 distinct chemical odors that the human body produces has proved daunting.

Now scientists at Rothamsted Research in the U.K. have been making headway at understanding why some people can end up with dozens of bites after a backyard barbecue, while others remain unscathed. The researchers have identified a handful of the body's chemical odors—some of which may be related to stress—that are present in significantly larger concentrations in people that the bugs are happier to leave alone. If efforts to synthesize these particular chemicals are successful, the result could be an all-natural mosquito repellent that is more effective and safer than products currently available.

"Mosquitoes fly through an aerial soup of chemicals, but can home in on those that draw them to humans," says James Logan, a researcher at Rothamsted, one of the world's oldest agricultural-research institutions. But when the combination of human odors is wrong, he says, "the mosquito fails to recognize this signal as a potential blood meal."

The phenomenon that some people are more prone to mosquito bites than others is well documented. In the 1990s, chemist Ulrich Bernier, now at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, began looking for what he calls the "magic compounds" that attract mosquitoes. His research helped to show that mosquitoes are attracted to humans by blends of common chemicals such as carbon dioxide, released from the skin and by exhaling, and lactic acid, which is present on the skin, especially when we exercise. But none of the known attractant chemicals explained why mosquitoes preferred some people to others.
Rothamsted's Dr. Logan says the answer isn't to be found in attractant chemicals. He and colleagues observed that everyone produces chemicals that mosquitoes like, but those who are unattractive to mosquitoes produce more of certain chemicals that repel them.

Misguided Mosquitoes
"The repellents were what made the difference," says Dr. Logan, who is interested in the study of how animals communicate using smell. These chemicals may cloud or mask the attractive chemicals, or may disable mosquitoes from being able to detect those attractive odors, he suggests.

Besides delivering annoying bites, mosquitoes cause hundreds of millions of cases of disease each year. As many as 500 million cases of malaria are contracted globally each year, and more than one million people die from it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mosquitoes can also spread West Nile virus, dengue fever, yellow fever and other illnesses.
Currently the most effective repellents on the market often contain a chemical known as DEET, which has been associated in some studies with potential safety concerns, such as cancer and Gulf War syndrome. It also damages materials made of plastic. The federal Environmental Protection Agency has determined that DEET, when used as directed, is safe.

The Rothamsted team set out to get the mosquitoes' viewpoint. The researchers separated human volunteers into two groups—those who were attractive to mosquitoes and those who weren't. They then put each of the volunteers into body-size foil bags for two hours to collect their body odors. Using a machine known as a chromatograph, the scientists were able to separate the chemicals. They then tested each of them to see how the mosquitoes responded. By attaching microelectrodes to the insects' antennae, the researchers could measure the electrical impulses that are generated when mosquitoes recognize a chemical.

Dr. Logan and his team have found only a small number of body chemicals—seven or eight—that were present in significantly different quantities between those people who were attractive to mosquitoes and those who weren't. They then put their findings to the test. For this they used a so-called Y-tube olfactometer that allows mosquitoes to make a choice and fly toward or away from an individual's hand. After applying the chemicals thought to be repellant on the hands of individuals known to be attractive, Dr. Logan found that the bugs either flew in the opposite direction or weren't motivated by the person's smell to fly at all.

The chemicals were then tested to determine their impact on actual biting behavior. Volunteers put their arms in a box containing mosquitoes, one arm coated with repellent chemicals and the other without, to see if the arm without the coating got bitten more.

Significant Repellency
The group's latest paper, published in March in the Journal of Medical Entomology, identified two compounds with "significant repellency." One of the compounds, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, is a skin-derived compound that has the odor of toned-down nail-polish remover, according to George Preti, an organic chemist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, who is involved in a separate line of research into insect-biting behavior. The other, identified in the paper as geranylacetone, has a pleasant odor, though there is some question about whether the chemical is formed by the human biochemical process or is picked up in the environment, Dr. Preti says.

Dr. Logan declined to comment about the specific chemicals because of proprietary concerns. He says the findings have been patented and the group is working with a commercial company to develop the compounds into a usable insect repellent. One issue that still needs to be resolved: how to develop a formulation of the repellent chemicals that will stay on the skin, rather than quickly evaporating as they do naturally. The hope is to get a product to market within a year or two, he says.

Some of the chemicals researchers identified are believed to be related to stress, Dr. Logan says. Previous research has shown that these particular chemicals could be converted from certain other molecules and this could be as a result of oxidation in the body at times of stress, he says. However, it's not clear if the chemicals observed by the Rothamsted researchers were created in this way, and research is continuing to answer this and other questions.

Dr. Logan suggests that mosquitoes may deem hosts that emit more of these chemicals to be diseased or injured and "not a good quality blood meal." Proteins in the blood are necessary for female mosquitoes to produce fertile eggs, and Dr. Logan says it might be evolutionarily advantageous for mosquitoes to detect and avoid such people.

Other Research
Other research includes an effort by scientists at the University of California, Riverside, who published a paper in the journal Nature last week identifying a recently discovered class of molecules that inhibit fruit flies' and mosquitoes' ability to detect carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide emissions from long ranges, so turning off the ability to detect the gas, perhaps by releasing the inhibiting molecules into the environment, may be a way of keeping the bugs at bay, the researchers suggest. Another team, at the Monell Chemical Senses Center, is launching a study into whether the taste of human skin and blood are related to the insects' interest in biting certain individuals.

Thought for the Day

"The difficult is that which can be done immediately;
the impossible that which takes a little longer."

Happy Birthday Brother

Today is my brother Steve's 46th birthday. I'm sure he will be enjoying his special day in Southern California.

National Education Address

In a recent interview with student reporter, Damon Weaver, President Obama announced that on September 8 – the first day of school for many children across America – he will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education.

The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education possible so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens.

Since taking office, the President has repeatedly focused on education, even as the country faces two wars, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and major challenges on issues like energy and health care. The President believes that education is a critical part of building a new foundation for the American economy. Educated people are more active civically and better informed on issues affecting their lives, their families and their futures.

This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation’s school children about persisting and succeeding in school. We encourage you to use this historic moment to help your students get focused and begin the school year strong. I encourage you, and your teachers, to join me in watching the President deliver this address on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. It will be broadcast live on the White House website www.whitehouse.gov at 1:00 p.m. eastern standard time.

In advance of this address, we would like to share the following resources: a menu of classroom activities for students in grades preK-6 and for students in grades 7-12. These are ideas developed by and for teachers to help engage students and stimulate discussion on the importance of education in their lives.

We are also staging a student video contest on education. Details of the video contest will be available on our website www.ed.gov in the coming weeks.

On behalf of all Americans, I want to thank our educators who do society’s most important work by preparing our children for work and for life. No other task is more critical to our economic future and our social progress. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead to continue improving the quality of public education we provide all of our children.

Sincerely,

Arne Duncan
Secretary of Education

A Fun Weekend

We had a great time with Brian and Allison this past weekend. Guess where Allison wanted to go?

God Taking A Picture

A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school.

As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she feared the electrical storm might harm her child.

Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school.

As she did, she saw her little girl walking along. At each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up, and smile.

Another and another flash of lightning followed quickly and with each, the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile.

When the mother's car drew up beside the child, she lowered the window and called to her 'What are you doing?' The child answered, 'I am trying to look pretty because God keeps taking my picture.'

Thought for Today

"Study the unusually successful people you know, and you will
find them imbued with an enthusiasm for their work which is contagious.
Not only are they themselves excited about what they are doing,
but they also get you excited."

Friday Fun

A new study found that the testerone level in American men has dropped in the last twenty years. Finally an explanation for the popularity of "Dancing with the Stars."

Jay Leno

School Begins

Another school year started for us in Columbus on Wednesday. I always enjoy the first day after weeks of preparation kids are excited to get back to see friends and meet their new teachers.

Every year, I try to make my way by the kindergarten classroom each first day. That area is always one that provides many emotional moments. Usually eager kids and crying moms. Moms letting go of their little ones and understanding they have grown up and are about to learn valuable life lessons. I remember a couple of years ago in Osage City I saw another site. A middle school parent crying when she let off her middle school daughter. Usually I see middle school parents "jump for joy" when school begins. It was a touching moment. My middle school principal assured the parent she will be fine, will take good care of her. I remember how tough it was three years ago when Debbie and I left Craig at FIT in New York City. Tears, prayers and a long quiet 3 hour plane trip home.

I Saw the following comment on a blog yesterday that talked about their little boy going to kindergarten for the first time: "Well, my little boy started kindergarten today. He was born just yesterday. I swear he was. Now he’s in school, spending a large chunk of his day away from his mother. I’m not sure how he’s doing right now, but his mom’s doing ok, but only as long as she doesn’t think about him. I’ve been spending a large chunk of my day away from the boys for years now and so his absence isn’t what’s bothering me today. It’s that this is the first major milestone in his life. There will be many others and today I’m realizing that they’re coming sooner than I’d like".

Milestones. We all have them. Appreciate them. Celebrate them. Enjoy them. That is the journey of life. Just as my two boys have celebrated milestones. I now know how the middle school mom must have felt.......

First Day of School

I begin my first year and first day of school in USD 493 Columbus today. Every first day brings excitement and a few butterflies in my stomach. My prayer every year is for our students, teachers and staff to have a year of educational excellence and one that is safe and fulfilling. I just try to stay out of the way and support them with the best available resources that I can. May God richly bless our kids this year!

Directions

A little boy was waiting for his mother to come out of the grocery store. As he waited, he was approached by a man who asked, "Son, can you tell me where the Post Office is?" The little boy replied, "Sure! Just go straight down this street a couple of blocks and turn to your right."

The man thanked the boy kindly and said, "I'm the new pastor in town. I'd like for you to come to church on Sunday. I'll show you how to get to Heaven." The little boy replied with a chuckle. "Awww, come on... You don't even know the way to the Post Office."

Teachers-Staff Return

Today is the official first day back for teachers and staff in Columbus. I will welcome them back and encourage them as we start a new school year.

Being the "new kid at school," I'm excited about the new beginnings that will occur this school year. New relationships that will be established and new learning opportunities for our kids.

I want to offer a special gift of encouragement to my daughter-in-law, Allison. She begins her first day of teaching today. The nineteen third graders in Garnett, Knasas, are some of the most blessed kids around. To have a caring and loving teacher for the next 176 days, they will be very fortunate when they walk in the classroom at 8:00 tomorrow morning.

Allison, I know you're nervous and excited. I am too. But remember, God will work through you to be a blessing to your kids.

It will be easy to get discouraged as the year goes along, but remember this as you begin your teaching career...................

• Immerse yourself in His Word.
• Pray. Over time, you will discover that you can control the way you think, choosing to focus on some thoughts and to reject others. The following verse can be life changing. Write it out and post it where you will see it regularly, on your refrigerator, bathroom mirror or the dashboard of your car.

"Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if any-thing is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Have a great day....I know I will as well!

Thought for the Day

"Vision is the art of seeing the invisible."

Off to California

Jan, Chris and Andy are moving to California. They stopped in Joplin to visit with us on Sunday evening. My brother Steve flew out to LA to meet the moving van. We enjoyed the short visit.

A Giving Spirit

I am amazed at the giving spirit of so many in the Columbus community. On Friday, two organizations (Crossland Construction and St Johns Hospital) brought 150 back packs filled with school supplies to give out to our students for the 2009-10 school year. Earlier in the week a young boy contributed 75 back packs for kids to use for the coming year. He did fund raisers all summer so he could help other kids. I have several individuals willing to give of their time this coming school year to continue our after school program. People willing to serve others.

Columbus keep up the great work. Serving others. It pays great dividends. Kids lives are touched forever.

Craig Home

Craig is home for a week before school starts. He will travel to Osage City later in the week to see friends. It's great having him home.

Thought for the Day

It is clearly not the journey for everyone. People succeed in as many ways as there are people. Some can be completely fulfilled with destinations that are much closer to home and more comfortable. But if you long to keep going, then I hope you are able to follow my lead to the places I have gone. To within a whisper of your own personal perfection. To places that are sweeter because you worked so hard to arrive there. To places at the very edge of your dreams.
- Michael Johnson

33 Days to Go

33 Days to go before kickoff of the 2009 season................

A Busy Weekend

Jack is back. Deb picked him up at Miami (Oklahoma not Florida) on Friday morning. He slept all weekend. Tired little guy!

We had Brian and Allison visit for the weekend. Allison's parents spent the night with us on Friday evening before they headed home to Texas. They were all coming back from Branson. Brian and Allison rode back with Debbie on Sunday, as she headed for Osage City, for her last week training her replacement in her old position in USD 420.

School Begins in 19 Days

Mom's are happy.......school begins in 19 days!