How humidity changes temperature-driven malaria risk in cities
Redefining thermal suitability for urban malaria transmission in the context of humidity
This project looks at how humidity changes the way temperature affects city-dwelling malaria mosquitoes so public health teams can better predict urban malaria risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177918 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will hear that researchers are running lab experiments on urban malaria mosquitoes to see how humidity modifies their ability to transmit malaria at different temperatures. They will combine those results with weather and city data to build computer models that map when and where malaria risk rises in specific neighborhoods. The team will compare model predictions to existing surveillance and case data to find hotspots and improve timing of control actions. Findings will be used to guide more targeted prevention and early-warning efforts in at-risk cities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live in malaria-prone cities—especially in South Asia where Anopheles stephensi is common or in African cities at risk of invasion—are the groups this work aims to help and whose local data would be most useful.
Not a fit: People living in rural areas or regions without urban-adapted malaria transmission (or areas not affected by Anopheles stephensi) are less likely to see direct benefits from this urban-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help public health officials predict and prevent urban malaria outbreaks, reducing infections for people who live in affected cities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown strong links between temperature and malaria risk, but coupling temperature and humidity for urban malaria—particularly for Anopheles stephensi—is relatively novel and less well tested.
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.