Bug-zapping lasers could add new weapon to our insect-fighting arsenal
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 - 08:51
in Biology & Nature
Control and monitoring of disease-vector insects are critical to global health, as insect vectors spread pathogens among humans, animals and agricultural products, creating worldwide strain on health care and food resources. Mosquito-borne malaria, for example, caused over 200 million infections and over 400,000 deaths in 2015, according to the World Health Organization. A small insect is also to blame for the jump in the price of orange juice in recent years. The Asian citrus psyllid, a vector of citrus greening disease, has devastated orange groves in Florida and threatened citrus production around the world.