By Susan Steele
Staff Writer/Editorialist Arcadian Post-Journal
Dr. Rochelle LaRosa, acclaimed entomologist and wife of inventor Dr. Martine LaRosa certainly hopes so. Today they revealed a preliminary invention, a radio that worked on scent. This device was displayed in hopes of generating buzz and funding for further research into practical uses of insect chemoreceptor and communication.
“One day, our research may allow us to crack the human pheromone, create environment safe insect repellents and deterrents, and even have uses in nanotechnology.” stated LaRosa.
The device was a simple clock radio that was modified to play different tones based on the state of a small swarm of bees contained nearby. Dr. LaRosa demonstrated how by applying different chemical scents to the swarm, he could cause the clock to set off it's alarm, attempt to tune into radio frequencies and even play a glockenspiel version of "Hello My Lady".
While not the flashiest demo at the expo, Dr. LaRosa's device may someday eliminate the need for harmful insecticides, or at the least keep those pesky spiders out of my drawer.
