Understanding how mosquitoes smell to improve disease control
Official title: Molecular and functional characterization of olfactory pathways in the arbovirus vector mosquito Aedes aegypti
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11023092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Aedes aegypti mosquitoes smell things, which could help us create better repellents and traps to keep them away and reduce the spread of diseases like dengue and Zika.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 2, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175490-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023092 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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in regions where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are prevalent may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the olfactory pathways in the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is known for spreading diseases like dengue and Zika. By examining how these mosquitoes detect odors, the study aims to identify specific sensory neurons and receptors involved in their sense of smell. The approach includes using advanced techniques to characterize these olfactory systems, which could lead to the development of more effective repellents and traps. This research is crucial for finding innovative ways to reduce mosquito populations and the diseases they carry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new 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 olfactory disruption to control mosquito behavior, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcbride, Carolyn Sarah — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Mcbride, Carolyn Sarah
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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.