high-tech enclosures for the study of mosquito feeding behavior (IMAGE)

Rice University

high-tech enclosures for the study of mosquito feeding behavior

Caption

Bioengineers from Rice University and tropical medicine experts from Tulane University teamed up to create high-tech enclosures for the study of mosquito feeding behavior. Rectangular patches of 3D-printed hydrogel serve as “synthetic skin” upon which mosquitoes can land, bite and feed on blood. Patches are printed with internal passageways for flowing blood and mounted on perfusion chambers (white, right) that provide a continuous supply. Cameras (green) record what happens on each patch of synthetic skin, and a form of artificial intelligence called machine learning interprets the video and records details like how often mosquitos land, how long they stay, whether or not they bite and how long they feed.

Credit

Credit: Wesson Group/Tulane University

Usage Restrictions

Must credit: Wesson Group/Tulane University

License

Original content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.