How smell affects color vision and behavior in mosquitoes
Official title: Olfactory modulation of color vision and behavior in mosquitoes
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11016943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the sense of smell affects how Aedes aegypti mosquitoes see colors and behave, helping us understand how they find food and hosts to bite.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | February 16, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $812,901 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175152-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016943 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, particularly those who may be at higher risk of exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in regions where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are prevalent may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the sense of smell influences color vision and behavior in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. It aims to understand the connection between olfactory cues and visual attraction to hosts and nectar sources. By utilizing advanced techniques such as calcium imaging and genetic modifications, the study will explore how these mosquitoes integrate olfactory and visual information to enhance their ability to locate hosts for feeding. This research could provide insights into the sensory mechanisms that drive mosquito behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for controlling mosquito populations and reducing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding sensory integration in insects, but this specific approach to olfactory-visual interaction in mosquitoes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riffell, Jeffrey a — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Riffell, Jeffrey a
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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.