Scientists discover what makes locusts swarm

[Still Waters]

The coronavirus isn't the only plague making headlines this year—locusts are devastating crops in several parts of the world, and now scientists are discovering why the pest forms destructive swarms.

On its own, a locust is fairly harmless. But so-called solitary locusts can undergo a metamorphosis, changing colour and joining together with millions of others in catastrophic clouds that strip fields.

So what prompts locusts to transform from solitary to "gregarious"?

A study published Wednesday in the journal Nature reveals the secret lies in a pheromone.

https://phys.org/news/2020-08-irresistible-scent-locusts-swarm.html

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2610-4

[Humbled Hypocrite83]

Gods had a plan for years

[godnodog]

what an amazing news, but I am always somewhat apprehensive on how we try to fight this with chemicals.

[Wreck7]

It will be weaponized. Mark my words.

[Twas Brillig]

On 8/16/2020 at 2:34 AM, godnodog said:

what an amazing news, but I am always somewhat apprehensive on how we try to fight this with chemicals.

It's not chemicals (such as pesticides) this article is suggesting we fight them with, but with genetic manipulation...which is also potentially very dangerous. 

[godnodog]

19 minutes ago, Twas Brillig said:

It's not chemicals (such as pesticides) this article is suggesting we fight them with, but with genetic manipulation...which is also potentially very dangerous. 

the article does refer to chemicals usage as potential solution

 

"There are other avenues too, including weaponising the chemical, by using a synthetic form of it to bait traps to catch locusts"

[Twas Brillig]

3 minutes ago, godnodog said:

the article does refer to chemicals usage as potential solution

 

"There are other avenues too, including weaponising the chemical, by using a synthetic form of it to bait traps to catch locusts"

Thanks for pointing that out, and the correction, I do remember reading that too.