Using yeast in soda to kill disease-carrying mosquitoes
Official title: Buy the world a coke and keep it mosquito free
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11056405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, eco-friendly way to control disease-spreading mosquitoes by using a special soda bottle that attracts them with yeast and delivers a targeted insecticide, helping to keep our communities safe from illnesses like dengue and chikungunya.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 18, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $433,303 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI182680-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas heavily affected by mosquito-borne diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in regions where mosquito-borne diseases are not prevalent may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a new method for controlling mosquito populations that spread diseases like dengue and chikungunya. By using eco-friendly RNA interference technology, the study will create a system where mosquitoes are attracted to a soda bottle containing yeast that delivers a targeted insecticide. This innovative approach seeks to lure mosquitoes away from natural sugar sources while minimizing harm to other species. The project will test the effectiveness of this method in real-world settings to combat insecticide resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce mosquito populations and the diseases they transmit, improving public health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using RNA interference for pest control, but this specific approach with yeast and soda is novel.
Where this research is happening
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Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scheel, Molly Duman — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Scheel, Molly Duman
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.