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Goodbye to the Murder Hornet: Insights on Drone Sightings and Regulations
December 20, 2024 – Authorities have confirmed the successful removal of the invasive Asian giant hornet, commonly referred to as the “murder hornet,” from American soil. As this unsettling chapter closes, concerns about recent drone sightings have surfaced, prompting an examination of existing regulations governing both hobbyist and commercial drone activities.
A Final Goodbye to the Murder Hornet
In recent years, extensive discussions have revolved around a notorious pest known colloquially as the “murder hornet,” scientifically termed as the Asian giant hornet or northern giant hornet. However, in a significant announcement this week, both the USDA and Washington State’s Department of Agriculture stated that this invasive species has been eradicated from within U.S. borders. The struggle against these dangerous insects is finally behind us.
To shed light on this milestone in entomological management, science journalist Maggie Koerth joined host Ira for a conversation not just about murder hornets but also addressing broader issues in science today—such as naming conventions for viruses and exploring how health indicators can be monitored through unexpected means like earwax analysis.
Drones Overhead: What Are We Seeing?
The last few weeks have seen an uptick in reports about mysterious drones appearing across New Jersey and other locations along the East Coast—beginning mid-November. Federal officials assert that these drones do not pose any significant threat to public safety; instead, they indicate a combination of authorized drones alongside various types of aircraft including airplanes and helicopters. Nonetheless, local residents continue to express unease over these occurrences.
This past week has led to new measures by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which instituted restrictions prohibiting most drones from operating over nearly twenty towns throughout New Jersey. Dr. Missy Cummings, director at George Mason University’s Autonomy and Robotics Center in Fairfax, Virginia—a key figure with considerable expertise in drone technology—aligns with federal assessments suggesting that sightings are predominantly comprised of legal operations interspersed with a few amateur pranksters flying their drones irresponsibly.
Keeping Informed About Science Developments
A transcript detailing each discussion segment will be accessible after airing at sciencefriday.com. To remain engaged with scientific advancements all year round or receive updates directly into your inbox, consider subscribing to Science Friday’s newsletters for regular information dispatches.
The post Discover the Wonders of Science: Tune Into NPR’s Science Friday! first appeared on USA NEWS.
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Author : Jean-Pierre CHALLOT
Publish date : 2024-12-29 16:16:07
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