Life has evolved sophisticated detection systems to contend with a complex and dynamic world. Our overarching interest is in understanding how sensory information is detected and used to modify physiology and drive behavior. We take a comparative physiological approach combining cutting-edge genetic methods with behavioral and physiological recordings to investigate the cellular and molecular sensory adaptations that enable species to thrive in their niche. Studying the sensory systems of diverse specialist species can reveal previously obscured details of general biological processes, suggest novel treatments for human disease and enhance our understanding of evolutionary trajectories. For the disease vectors and agricultural pests that serve as the main focus of our research, a deeper understanding of sensory physiology can help to predict their movement to new areas and offer alternative avenues to prevent the spread of human disease and the destruction of agricultural crops and infrastructure.

We gratefully acknowledge the agencies that support our research.

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