the Neurobiology of Insect Olfaction Lab

The subtle reign of smell on our sensory perception is undeniable. It informs us of attractive prospects and warns us of potential dangers. Are insects different from us in this respect? Can we learn or perhaps co-opt their olfactory system to our benefit? Mosquitoes are the perfect model to explore these questions. First, they are universally despised and their use for scientific purposes does not raise ethical concerns. Indeed, this pest of bad repute remains the most dangerous animal on Earth. One kiss from a female mosquito causes an unpleasant itch at best and may inject into your bloodstream unsavory microscopic visitors. What good can come out of mosquito research? Our research group aims to study the mosquito nose in all its intricacies out of sheer curiosity but also to design fatal smells to the mosquito, as well as to develop insect-inspired biosensors.

Matt Bertone