How do disease-carrying mosquitoes and agricultural pests spread so quickly across all regions of Brazil, causing economic and health problems?
Science / Life Sciences
Agricultural pests and mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever, malaria and mayaro pose a significant health and economic threat to Brazil. These insects can spread rapidly over long distances, but how they do so remains poorly understood. This project will investigate whether they use high-altitude winds for dispersal by capturing insects at different altitudes (up to 200 meters) using adhesive panels (3×1 meters) suspended from helium weather balloons. We will assess the potential for wind-assisted dispersal and its impact on public health and agriculture by analyzing the collected insects and meteorological data. This knowledge will improve risk prediction and the development of preventive measures.
Amount invested
Grant Serrapilheira: R$ 550.000,00 (R$400.000,00 + R$ 150.000,00 optional bonuses aimed at the integration and training of individuals from underrepresented groups in science)
