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Talk about a viral concept. Internet viruses may turn out to be useful after all. The way viruses spread on the Internet has been helping ecologists work out how pests are spreading in the real world, according to silicon.com.
Australian researchers are currently working with Microsoft’s research arm on using anti-spam techniques including data-mining and machine-learning to help identify the genetic patterns that underpin the HIV virus.
Eons ago, when I worked for Hohner Harmonicas, someone discovered that (if I remember correctly) the e-flat minor of the Hohner Melodica was the same as the mating call of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly. That pest is responsible for widespread crop destruction.
Someone suggested that farmers all get Melodicas, attract the pests and then slam the lid shut on them.