Star Wars-esque laser beam to melt millions of mosquitoes in seconds
Quote:
LONDON, England -- Scientists in the U.S. are developing a laser gun that could kill millions of mosquitoes in minutes.
The WHO has reported that around half of the world's population is at risk of malaria.
The laser, which has been dubbed a "weapon of mosquito destruction" fires at mosquitoes once it detects the audio frequency created by the beating of its wings.
The laser beam then destroys the mosquito, burning it on the spot.
Developed by some of the astrophysicists involved in what was known as the "Star Wars" anti-missile programs during the Cold War, the project is meant to prevent the spread of malaria.
Lead scientist on the project, Dr. Jordin Kare, told CNN that the laser would be able to sweep an area and "toast millions of mosquitoes in a few minutes."
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people from the bites of female mosquitoes.
I'd like to know if it works on politicians.. specifically Liberals, NDP, Bloc, or Belinda Stronach because you never know where Belinda is and what she's sucking.
I wonder if they've given thought to what might happen if they start nuking hordes of bugs and removing them from the food chain like that. Gonna be a lot of birds kick it for starters, and possibly just a wee bit of a negative domino effect could ensue.
I wonder if they've given thought to what might happen if they start nuking hordes of bugs and removing them from the food chain like that. Gonna be a lot of birds kick it for starters, and possibly just a wee bit of a negative domino effect could ensue.
Sure, it could have disastrous effects on the environment, but I'm an instant gratification guy, so if I can have a laser that blows up these things while I'm making star wars laser sounds, I want it.
__________________
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
I'd like to know if it works on politicians.. specifically Liberals, NDP, Bloc, or Belinda Stronach because you never know where Belinda is and what she's sucking.
I wonder if they've given thought to what might happen if they start nuking hordes of bugs and removing them from the food chain like that. Gonna be a lot of birds kick it for starters, and possibly just a wee bit of a negative domino effect could ensue.
I'm pretty sure the parents of the 3000 kids killed DAILY wouldn't really care if a few sparrows died as a result. We are not referring to nuisance mosquitoes on a camping trip. Malaria is a huge killer in Africa with a kid dying every 30 seconds as a result. This invention wasn't developed to take along to the beach so us Canadians could enjoy a proper picnic.
I'm pretty sure the parents of the 3000 kids killed DAILY wouldn't really care if a few sparrows died as a result. We are not referring to nuisance mosquitoes on a camping trip. Malaria is a huge killer in Africa with a kid dying every 30 seconds as a result. This invention wasn't developed to take along to the beach so us Canadians could enjoy a proper picnic.
That really had nothing to do with what Ford Prefect was saying, you really do have to wonder about the short term goals being achieved versus the long term effects.
I'm pretty sure the parents of the 3000 kids killed DAILY wouldn't really care if a few sparrows died as a result. We are not referring to nuisance mosquitoes on a camping trip. Malaria is a huge killer in Africa with a kid dying every 30 seconds as a result. This invention wasn't developed to take along to the beach so us Canadians could enjoy a proper picnic.
Jude,
It clearly states in the article that no single animal feeds exclusively on mosquitoes. Birds and bats feed on a multitude of flying insects. They adapt and over come. No bio-benefit ( I made that word up) has ever been established for the mosquito. They are vectors of disease, harbingers of death, please don't equate them as akin to the oceans plankton populations. They are an easily replaced biomass and the ecosystem does not benefit by these parasites in any way shape or form.
No trickle down effect here, ( I bet that's what the Aussies said about the Cane Toad) but I believe that.
Are you the gremmmer police now? I refuse to edit that glaring error now and people will be forced to read my awful run on sentences. That's what I hire an editor for.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Circa89 For This Useful Post:
The fact that no animal feeds solely on mosquitoes does not mean there won't be any adverse affects on the eco-system, surely something has to give when you wipe out that many insects in such a short period of time. Pretty cool technology though...
The Following User Says Thank You to Jude For This Useful Post:
Star Wars-esque laser beam to melt millions of mosquitoes in seconds
