Targeted arbovirus control: using mosquitoes’ viruses to map Aedes spread
Official title: Moving toward targeted arbovirus control: using the virome to determine Aedes dispersal and population structure
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11415019 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study the viruses that live in Aedes aegypti to understand how these mosquitoes move and mix across communities, helping protect people from diseases like dengue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $193,417 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI179059-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415019 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to direct patient participation; the study focuses on mosquitoes and their viral content.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient procedures are involved in this study.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the viruses inside Aedes aegypti can reveal how these mosquitoes disperse in cities and towns. By analyzing viral DNA patterns, researchers aim to map mosquito movement at different scales—from neighborhoods to entire cities. The goal is to create a scalable method that improves how we predict and prevent the spread of arboviruses. The work combines genomics with field data to inform future control strategies that protect communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to smarter, more targeted mosquito control that reduces disease risk for people living in affected areas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that viral patterns can reflect mosquito movement, and this approach is building on those findings with a scalable framework.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murdock, Courtney — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Murdock, Courtney
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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.