How mosquitoes detect and avoid certain skin compounds
Official title: Olfactory and gustatory detection of aversive skin compounds by mosquitoes
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-11125022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how mosquitoes find us by smelling and tasting our skin, with the goal of discovering new ways to keep them away so we can better protect ourselves from diseases like Dengue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $505,238 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI180224-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in tropical regions who are at high risk for mosquito-borne diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in areas with high mosquito populations or who are not at risk for mosquito-borne diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mosquitoes use their sense of smell and taste to locate human skin for feeding, which is crucial for understanding how they transmit diseases like Dengue. The study aims to identify specific compounds on human skin that can deter mosquitoes from landing, potentially leading to the development of more effective insect repellents. By employing advanced machine learning techniques, researchers will analyze skin-associated compounds to discover new repellents that could be more appealing and effective than current options like DEET. This approach focuses on understanding mosquito behavior to create better prevention strategies for high-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of improved insect repellents that are more effective and user-friendly, reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using behavioral and chemical approaches to disrupt mosquito feeding, indicating that this study builds on established methods.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ray, Anandasankar — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Ray, Anandasankar
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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.