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Student Article

Always Bugged By Mosquitoes? Blame Your Body Odor

By: Noa Leach
Originally Published in  Science Focus

A giant outdoor experiment in Zambia shows how body odor helps mosquitoes pick their favorite humans — and how this research might help stop the spread of diseases.

The article "Always Bugged By Mosquitoes? Blame Your Body Odor" from BBC Science Focus explores a unique study using a huge mosquito-testing arena in Zambia. Scientists found that body odor plays a key role in how mosquitoes choose people to bite. The results could lead to better mosquito traps and tools to fight diseases like malaria.
Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

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Close-up of a mosquito sitting on skin
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 500-600L
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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 700-800L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000-1200L
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