Forecast for insects? Made-in-Vancouver project may help growers, gardeners
At a time of year when most people are closely watching the temperatures, a new project is coming to a Vancouver university this summer that involves a different kind of forecasting.
The University of British Columbia is trying something out, and it could become the blueprint for forecasting insect behaviour across the city.
Researchers say they plan to set up dozens of cameras across campus.
These insect trap cameras, known as Sticky Pi, contain a sticky trap that catches bugs so that photos can be taken of them.
Computers then use artificial intelligence to determine what kind of insects are seen in the photos, and where and when they were trapped.
Researchers say it will help them understand which insects could be invasive and harmful to the local environment.
"That can be really helpful for understanding biodiversity," said UBC researcher Quentin Geissmann in an interview with CTV News over the weekend.
"For instance, what happens to this biodiversity during something like a heat wave? Do insects hide during the day when it's too hot? Do they just die? And then it's going to be really helpful for growers – even things like urban gardening where people suffer from new pest insects coming."
Researchers say they plan to eventually deploy the camera system across Vancouver next year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
The Slovak prime minister is stable after 'miracles' in the hospital as suspect appears in court
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's condition was stable but serious Saturday as the man accused of trying to assassinate him faced his first court appearance.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Flash floods due to unusually heavy seasonal rains kill at least 68 people in Afghanistan
Flash floods from heavy seasonal rains have killed at least 68 people in Afghanistan, Taliban officials said Saturday, adding the death toll was based on preliminary reports.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Oilers focus on Saturday's game, try to ignore prospect of elimination from playoffs
They're on the verge of being eliminated, but there's only one thing the Edmonton Oilers can do, says their coach: Remain focused.
N.B. man takes talent to the air, hoping others catch his love for extreme pogo stick performing
Duncan Murray is one of only a handful of Canadians to be considered a professional extreme pogo athlete.