The scientists behind the “Star Wars” missile defence program have created a badass new weapons system that can destroy millions of mosquitoes in mere minutes using lasers.
The system works by detecting the audio frequency created by the beating of mosquito wings and then targeting them with lasers. It could sweep an area and completely destroy all mosquitoes in minutes.
It’s great news for people who like having early summer barbeques, but it’s even better news for developing countries where malaria is commonly distributed by the blood-sucking pests. The system was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s anti-malaria project. [CNN]
Mickey
March 19, 2009 at 7:54 PM
This could be interesting – as I put a detailed design proposal into the public domain around 1990 – called SQ/AR – which among other things did exactly this with high-energy focused audio pulses – and noted the option to use plasma (lasers) at the time.
Report PermalinkMaybe they can call me and offer to buy my silence.
(SQ/AR = spatial quadrature/amplitude relationship)