Dr. Leslie Vosshall from the Rockefeller University discusses her work that led to the discovery of odorant receptors in the fruit fly D. melanogaster, with the unexpected finding that these receptors are not GPCRs. She also talks about her group's subsequent transition from studying odorant pathways in flies to analyzing the molecular genetics underlying chemosensory behaviors in mosquitos. We discuss her pioneering work on mosquito-host selection, the molecular biology of mosquito-borne illnesses, as well as various truths and myths about why mosquitos prefer certain people as a blood source. It's a wide ranging and fascinating conversation. Enjoy!