Welcome to the Neurobiology of Insect Olfaction Lab!

Matt Bertone

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 than 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 purpose 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 blood stream unsavory microscopic visitors. What good can come out of mosquito research? Our research group aims to study the mosquito nose in all its intricacies not only to design fatal smells to the mosquito but also to use their exquisite sense of smell for the development of biosensors.