Plant genes key to mosquito repellent
( 2003-08-12 10:33) (China Daily)
Researchers at the Shanghai Life Science Institute are experimenting with a
new way to repel mosquitoes by changing the gene structure of some plants,
according to Shanghai Youth Daily.
Three years ago, Du Jiawei and his research team began studying the genes of
certain plants, such as the cordate telosma (known as ye heung in Cantonese or
Tonkin creeper in English), which produce a special fragrance that repels
mosquitoes.
Du is trying to implant the genes responsible for these aromas into other
plants.
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