New method to determine the age of mosquitoes using advanced technology
Official title: A novel approach of age-grading of mosquitoes using SERS and machine learning models
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11001550 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to figure out how old Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are, since older ones can spread diseases like malaria and chikungunya, and it aims to help scientists better understand these mosquitoes to keep us safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $364,013 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI180243-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001550 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals living in areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, particularly those at higher risk due to age or health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in regions where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are prevalent may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel technique to accurately age mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti, which are known carriers of diseases like malaria and chikungunya. By utilizing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) combined with machine learning models, the researchers aim to analyze mosquito biomolecules and determine their age, as older mosquitoes pose a greater risk to human health. The study will establish reliable protocols for collecting and analyzing mosquito samples in both laboratory and field settings, enhancing our understanding of mosquito populations and their potential threat to public health.
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: Previous research has shown promise in using similar technological approaches for mosquito age determination, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Lili — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: He, Lili
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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.