Stinky Socks Could Help Prevent Malaria

Do you suffer from extremely stinky feet that often leaves your wife, girlfriend, friends and co-workers running for the doors? The next time they comment on your pungent foot odor just let them know that your feet may one day be helping put an end to malaria in poor regions of the world.

Researchers in Tanzania are attempting to use dirty socks in order to lure mosquito’s to specially constructed traps where they are poisoned and quickly die.

The method is being tested since it would offer a low cost yet effective way to help largely reduce and possibly end malaria cases. Malaria takes the lives of approximately 900,000 people each year.

A physician tells the Global Post:

“It’s a bold idea,” while adding, “Who would have thought there was a life-saving technology working in your laundry basket?”

Donating old smelly socks isn’t really a great idea for thrift store giveaways but it may finally become a viable reality and who knows with a $500,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation this could really become a low-cost way to help fight malaria in some areas.