‘Zebra’ tribal body paint cuts fly bites 10-fold—study

Traditional white-striped bodypainting practiced by indigenous communities mimics zebra stripes to reduce the number of potentially harmful horsefly bites a person receives by up to 10-fold, according to new research published Wednesday. Tribes in Africa, Australia and southeast Asia have practiced bodypainting in cultural ceremonies for generations. Traditionally mixed from clay, chalk, ash and cattle dung, the white or grey paint is widely thought to help individuals moderate body heat in soaring bush and savanna temperatures. But scientists now believe that the striking striped patterns also slash the amount of biting insects attracted to the naked flesh of people living ...

Keep on reading: ‘Zebra’ tribal body paint cuts fly bites 10-fold—study

from INQUIRER.net http://bit.ly/2DbY2rc