Some viruses prefer mosquitoes to humans, but people get sick anyway − a virologist and entomologist explain why

The virus that causes eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, has evolved to infect mosquitoes. To be able to spread between people, however, it faces extra challenges.

Pilar Pérez Romero, Associate Professor of Virology, University of Notre Dame • conversation
Feb. 4, 2025 • ~9 min

West Nile virus season returns − a medical epidemiologist explains how it’s transmitted and how you can avoid it

Most people who get infected with West Nile virus have mild symptoms, but in certain cases the illness can become serious or even deadly.

Daniel Pastula, Professor of Neurology, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and Epidemiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
Aug. 16, 2024 • ~8 min

Female mosquitoes rely on one another to choose the best breeding sites − and with the arrival of spring, they’re already on the hunt

Female mosquitoes don’t want to lay their eggs alone, but they don’t want sites that are too crowded either. Understanding what guides their choice could inform new control strategies.

Matthew DeGennaro, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Florida International University • conversation
March 19, 2024 • ~8 min

Not all repellents are equal – here's how to avoid mosquito bites this summer

Two mosquito physiology experts explain which repellents work better than others and how to protect yourself this summer.

Hailey A. Luker, Ph.D. Student in Biology, New Mexico State University • conversation
July 10, 2023 • ~8 min

Those seeds clinging to your hiking socks may be from invasive plants – here's how to avoid spreading them to new locations

Invasive species cause billions of dollars in damage across the US every year. Hikers and backpackers can take simple steps to avoid spreading seeds and making the problem worse.

Megan Dolman, PhD candidate in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Boise State University • conversation
March 17, 2023 • ~9 min

Viruses can change your scent to make you more attractive to mosquitoes, new research in mice finds

Certain viruses like dengue and Zika can make their hosts smell tastier to mosquitoes. Luckily, vitamin A and its derivatives may help combat these odor changes.

Penghua Wang, Assistant Professor of Immunology, University of Connecticut • conversation
June 30, 2022 • ~9 min

Will new vaccines be better at fighting coronavirus variants? 5 questions answered

Existing coronavirus vaccines are not as effective against newer variants of the virus. Two vaccine experts explain how new vaccines currently in development will likely offer better protection.

Krishna Mallela, Professor of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
May 4, 2022 • ~9 min

Tick bites: Every year is a bad tick year

How bad are ticks this year? An expert explains why tick-borne diseases are on the rise.

Jory Brinkerhoff, Associate Professor of Biology, University of Richmond • conversation
Aug. 18, 2021 • ~7 min

Every year is a bad tick year

How bad are ticks this year? An expert explains why tick-borne diseases are on the rise.

Jory Brinkerhoff, Associate Professor of Biology, University of Richmond • conversation
Aug. 18, 2021 • ~7 min

Kids aren't just littler adults – here's why they need their own clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine

As many teens and adults in the US restart their social lives, parents of children under the age of 12 wonder when their kids will also be able to experience the freedom that comes with vaccination.

Judy Martin, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
July 16, 2021 • ~10 min

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