Membrane feeding of ticks

Animal-free set-up enables a new series of experiments; from basic research describing trophic dependences of ticks to testing anti-tick compounds. Exploiting the cunning use of silicone membrane to mimic a host skin, in combination with perfumes that resemble the scents of a living animal, scientists from the Institute of Parasitology of the Biology Centre of the CAS gradually reveal what makes the tick a parasite. The membrane system is also intended for applied research, for testing anti-tick vaccines/compounds.