Mapping insect species to monitor biodiversity and disease vectors
Citizen DNA Barcode Network: A Community-based Infrastructure for Monitoring Biodiversity and Disease Vectors
This study invites community members to help identify different insect species, like ants and mosquitoes, using DNA techniques, so we can better understand how these insects relate to environmental changes and human health, especially with climate change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10820418 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to create a Citizen DNA Barcode Network that engages community members in mapping the distribution of insect species, specifically ants, mosquitoes, and beetles. Participants will learn to use DNA barcoding techniques to identify various insect species, even from damaged samples. The initiative focuses on understanding how these species serve as indicators of environmental changes and vectors for human diseases, particularly in the context of climate change. By collaborating with educational institutions and conservation groups, the project seeks to enhance public awareness and involvement in biodiversity monitoring.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include community members, educators, and students interested in biodiversity and environmental science.
Not a fit: Patients who are not interested in community science or biodiversity monitoring may not find direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower communities to contribute to biodiversity monitoring and improve understanding of disease vectors related to climate change.
How similar studies have performed: Similar community-based citizen science initiatives have shown success in biodiversity monitoring and environmental education, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Cold Spring Harbor, United States
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory — Cold Spring Harbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Micklos, David Andrew — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Micklos, David Andrew
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.