In Southeast Asia, a newly developed drone is helping out in yet another conflict. The soldiers? Researchers. The insurgents? A type of malaria parasite (Plasmodium knowlesi).
Researchers are using these drones to map out related cases of the virus throughout Malaysian Borneo. Equipped with infrared sensors and cameras, the drones allow researchers to see not only where the parasite hosts were congregating, but also how many of the hosts tended to gather up in a single area.
Researchers can also use the drones to learn how P. knowlesi is spreading by monitoring the likely breeding grounds of the mosquitoes, and gain more ground in trying to eradicate this virus.
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