While using mating pheromones is a much safer pest control method than pesticides, many farmers don’t use them because they’re expensive. But there has been a recent development that makes them cheaper to synthesise. Camelina plants have been genetically modified to produce seeds that contain a fatty acid that’s a precursor to insect mating pheromones. Pheromones synthesised using the Camelina fatty acids are estimated to cost between $70 and $125 per kilogram, less than half the cost of current methods and on par with pesticide prices. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
