Researchers at the University of Malaya are using streetlights to combat the spread of dengue fever in Malaysia.
The outdoor energy efficient LED lamp essentially gives off a “human scent” that attracts mosquitos and traps them.
Might sound simple, but there’s a lot going on under (and above) the surface.
The LED lamps produce UV light that shines on a titanium dioxide surface, causing the release of small amounts of CO2 – mosquitoes are attracted to humans and other prey by following CO2 trails. Then, once the insects are close enough, they get sucked in by a fan and trapped in a net.
Powered by wind and solar energy, these street lamps are effectively off the grid, so can go in even the remotest parts of the country, providing light while controlling disease.
Via. Springwise