Understanding how mosquitoes taste to find hosts for biting
Official title: Taste perception of host cues in the invasive disease vector mosquito Aedes albopictus
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10973600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Asian tiger mosquitoes, which can spread diseases like Zika and dengue, sense taste to find and bite people, with the hope of using this information to help keep us safe from these pesky bugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $132,543 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DC021504-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973600 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals living in areas where Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are prevalent, particularly those over the age of 65 who may be at higher risk for mosquito-borne diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who live in regions where Aedes albopictus is not present or who are not at risk for mosquito-borne diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the taste perception of the Aedes albopictus mosquito, commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, which is a significant vector for diseases like Zika and dengue. The study aims to explore how these mosquitoes use their taste systems to detect cues from potential hosts, which could influence their biting behavior. By employing advanced tools and methodologies, the research will analyze the chemical signals and neuronal coding involved in taste perception. The ultimate goal is to enhance vector control strategies by understanding the factors that drive mosquito attraction to humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for controlling mosquito populations and reducing the transmission of dangerous diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on other mosquito species has shown success in understanding their attraction mechanisms, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for Aedes albopictus as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baik, Lisa Soyeon — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Baik, Lisa Soyeon
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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.