Entomologist Feeds Mosquitoes with Own Blood for Research

Véronique Paris, an entomologist at the University of Melbourne in Australia, subjects herself to between 250 and 500 mosquito bites each week as part of her scientific research. In some instances, she receives this volume of bites within a single day. Her objective is to analyze the insects' behavior and understand how they acquire and transmit pathogens.

Mosquito Breeding Protocols

Paris maintains colonies of mosquitoes in the laboratory, where female insects require a blood meal to complete their life cycle and produce eggs. To provide necessary nutrition for the insects, the researcher sometimes uses her own blood, describing this method as the easiest, fastest, and least costly option available.

The laboratory houses several mosquito colonies that feed on the blood of staff members. Paris confirmed that the insects used in these procedures are bred under controlled laboratory conditions and do not carry the pathogens researchers are studying. For colonies that could pose risks to volunteers, feeding is conducted using a specialized system featuring a membrane that simulates blood absorption, eliminating the need to expose individuals to bites.

Bite Frequency and Recovery

The feeding process follows a specific schedule. Paris places her hand inside cages containing approximately 250 mosquitoes, enduring their bites during a single session. This procedure may repeat up to four times per week when experiments require increasing the number of insects needing nourishment.

Despite the high frequency of bites, the researcher notes that she has become accustomed to their effects. She explained that red marks typically subside within hours, while the bites themselves disappear in about one day.

Ecological and Genetic Studies

Paris’s work extends beyond breeding and monitoring feeding habits. She also investigates environmental conditions that support mosquito survival and reproduction, along with factors influencing their capacity to transmit diseases.

The researcher conducted a broad genomic study comparing different mosquito groups across Australia, identifying isolated colonies separated from one another. She is currently working to determine potential differences among these groups, including their ability to produce eggs, tolerate varying temperatures, and adapt to water quality variations.

Public Science Engagement

To bring science closer to the public, Paris began publishing video clips documenting aspects of her daily laboratory work. These videos aim to reveal the true details of scientific research and the unconventional experiments it requires.

She noted that scenes of mosquitoes feeding are the most engaging aspect for viewers, though they represent only a fraction of her overall work. Paris expressed satisfaction in building a community interested in science through social media, viewing these platforms as spaces for sharing knowledge rather than solely for commercial promotion or sensational content.