How humidity and heat shape malaria risk in cities
Redefining thermal suitability for urban malaria transmission in the context of humidity
['FUNDING_R01'] · CORNELL UNIVERSITY · NIH-11409082
This project looks at how humidity together with temperature changes the chance of malaria for people living in cities with urban mosquitoes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CORNELL UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ITHACA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11409082 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work combines laboratory tests on urban malaria mosquitoes, historical and real-time weather data, and computer models to see how humidity alters temperature-driven transmission. Scientists will measure mosquito survival and biting under different heat-and-humidity conditions and use those results to update transmission models. The project focuses on urban-adapted mosquitoes like Anopheles stephensi in South Asia and on preparing for possible spread into African cities. Improved models and maps aim to identify city neighborhoods and times of year with higher malaria risk so control can be targeted.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living in or near cities where urban malaria mosquitoes are present—especially in South Asia and parts of Africa—are the most likely to benefit or be asked to provide data.
Not a fit: People in rural areas where different mosquito species drive malaria or those far from urban transmission zones are less likely to see direct benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could give health authorities clearer, location-specific warnings and control plans that reduce malaria cases in cities.
How similar studies have performed: Models using temperature to explain malaria seasonality have been useful, but humidity's quantitative role is much less tested, so this project builds on established methods while adding new, understudied factors.
Where this research is happening
ITHACA, UNITED STATES
- CORNELL UNIVERSITY — ITHACA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MURDOCK, COURTNEY — CORNELL UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MURDOCK, COURTNEY
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.