Research
Electron beam tests advance safer sterilization method for flies that threaten livestock
Phys.org ·
The Brief
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists achieved early success using electron beam (eBeam) technology to sterilise New World screwworm flies for the sterile insect technique (SIT).
- The approach is presented as a potentially safer alternative to the existing sterilisation method for flies that threaten livestock.
Why it matters
Sterile insect technique is used to control pest populations without chemicals; a safer sterilisation method could make such programmes more practical against livestock pests like the New World screwworm.
Who’s affected
- livestock producers and veterinarians
- entomologists and pest control researchers
- #sterile insect technique
- #screwworm
- #electron beam
- #livestock pests
- #sterilisation
Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists have achieved early success using electron beam, or eBeam, technology for the sterile insect technique, or SIT, against New World screwworm flies.
Timeline
Biology News reports early success of electron beam sterilisation tests on screwworm flies
Biology News - Evolution, Cell theory, Gene theory, Microbiology, Biotechnology
Electron beam tests advance safer sterilization method for flies that threaten livestock