Mosquito Antennae Research May Revolutionize Disaster Detection

Purdue University scientists explore how mosquito-inspired acoustic sensors could improve earthquake and tsunami monitoring.

Purdue University researchers are studying mosquito antennae to understand their sensitivity to vibrations and sound detection capabilities.
The findings suggest mosquito antennae are highly frequency-selective and capable of detecting a broader range of frequencies than previously known.
The team is using advanced imaging and 3D printing to recreate mosquito antennae for testing and potential development of acoustic sensors.
Potential applications include disaster detection systems, such as for earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as smart noise-canceling materials.
The research, funded by the Air Force and National Science Foundation, has been published in the journal Acta Biomaterialia.