We were happy to contribute a chapter on genetic biocontrol of crop pests to the book “Advances in biocontrol of crop insect pests”, which is now available (shop.bdspublishing.com/store/bds/de...). Alexis Kriete, Sarah Hudadoff, Ariel Tarrand and Amarish Yadav contributed equally to the chapter.

Our Toxic Male Technique (TMT) paper is finally out! TMT males produce insecticidal semen to eliminate the female population. It's the first example of intragenerational genetic biocontrol. TMT mosquitoes could dramatically reduce bloodmeals.

www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Genetic analyses suggest that larval and adult stages of Lucilia cuprina employ different sensory systems https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.20.629795v1

For decades, the screwworm was eliminated in North America, but containment efforts in Panama have failed. Now cattle smugglers are helping the parasite advance north. @evystadium.bsky.social has more.

Read the story here: www.wired.com/story/a-para...

The flesh-eating screwworm parasite is having a resurgence in Central America, endangering the region's food supply and tens of billions of dollars’ worth of livestock. www.newscientist.com/article/2459...

Simeon and I looked at how the horrifying new world screw worm is making a comeback in Central America.

I have to say, I find the arguments for wiping it out altogether quite compelling!

My latest for @telglobalhealth.bsky.social

www.telegraph.co.uk/global-healt...

Scientists built a great wall to keep out the ‘man devourer’ – but now it’s fighting back.

The screw worm, a species of fly that lays its eggs in the open wounds of warm-blooded animals, is making a comeback.

✍️ @arthurscottgeddes.bsky.social and Simeon Tegel.
www.telegraph.co.uk/global-healt...

Interesting article by @arthurscottgeddes.bsky.social on the screwworm outbreak in Central America, www.telegraph.co.uk/global-healt...