# Wound Odors May Unlock Better Traps for Flesh-Eating Parasites Jessica Metcalf's research could protect animals from dangerous parasites. - **Source:** [Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories](https://brifing.si/source/8b0f98da-d179-4c93-871f-7ac460bf9c61) - **Published:** 2026-07-24 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4c558aec-a3c9-46d6-b50f-81adef9cf3cf ## Jessica Metcalf's Research Jessica Metcalf from Colorado State University aims to develop more effective traps for flesh-eating parasites through her research on wound odors. This work could help protect animals from these dangerous parasites. ## The Importance of Wound Odors Wound odors play a critical role in understanding the behavior of flesh-eating parasites. These odors help determine how parasites feed and where they go, enabling the design of more effective traps. ## The Danger of Parasites Flesh-eating parasites like the New World screwworm pose a serious threat to both livestock and wildlife. These parasites can eat the tissues of animals, leading to fatal outcomes. ## The Goal of the Research Metcalf's research aims to understand the behavior of these parasites and develop new methods to control them. This could be a significant step for animal health and safety. ## Odor Analysis Techniques The research involves analyzing the chemical components of wound odors. These analyses help determine which odors attract parasites more, aiding in the design of more effective traps. ## Future Applications This research could not only protect animals but also have important implications for human health. Controlling flesh-eating parasites could reduce their negative impact on agriculture and wildlife. ## Sources covering this story - https://phys.org/news/2026-07-wound-odors-flesh-world-screwworm.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._