Researchers at K-State are using a new facility, called an “insectary,” to study how mosquitoes spread malaria.

These researchers spend all day with mosquitoes and microscopes, trying to find a way to eliminate malaria.

“The mosquitoes we’re working with have a narrow temperature optimum so they prefer it hot and humid it's about 27 degrees Celsius which is eighty something Fahrenheit,” said Kristin Michel, PHD.

“I dissect several hundreds so it takes the whole day, a lot more than eight hours,” said PHD student Daniela Deubner.

To put it simply malaria is spread by mosquitoes infected with a parasite, that go on to bite humans or animals.

Then they bite from the mosquito passes the parasite to the human or animal host through its saliva.

And researchers hope the hours of work will pay off.

“I hope my research will contribute to the transmission of malaria and the parasite and find out how to block the transmission,” said Deubner.

“We are trying to fight against a parasite and find a way to block it's transmission through the salivary glands,” said Gustavo Martins, PHD student.

The insectary is a breeding ground, housing between five thousand and ten thousand new mosquitoes each week.

“Exit and entry are tightly regulated. Three doors to get into this room, we're pretty safe,” said Michel.

Although it may seem complicated, it's not too dangerous, and researchers say they plan to reach their goal.

“Yes of course it's possible, that's why I’m studying,” said Martins.

Malaria can be prevented and cured.

However, if this research is successful, the disease would be entirely eliminated, along with the costly medical procedures.