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Swallow the Rat - Terra Nullius

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Wasp busting: to clone or not to clone?

Wasp busting: to clone or not to clone?

Wasp busting: to clone or not to clone? Wasp busting: to clone or not to clone? , 17.11 MB
Tuesday, April 18, 2017

New Zealand has a wasp problem. The invasive insect is considered a pest and routinely eats honeydew before birds can get to it, kills native insects, and attacks and kills bees. However, a team of researchers from around the country are undertaking a ten-year project to develop new wasp busting technologies. Among the ideas being explored include developing genetically modified transgenic wasps that would return to nests and destroy their own communities. Reporter Sam Smith spoke to one of the leaders of the research project, Victoria University's Phil Lester.