A Geographic Information System (GIS) framework is used to assess the geographical variability of a biopesticide's effectiveness against different species of locusts and grasshoppers. A model for predicting fungal pathogen virulence against pests, specifically based on host body temperature and environmental conditions, was used with meteorological station data to create spatial maps of expected mortality. The study focused on economically important pest species across Spain, South Africa, Zambia, and Niger. Spatial variation in the performance of the model was clearly visible. Although the model outputs were largely consistent with field trial data for most species, the variability highlights the importance of temperature context for both effective pest control strategies and understanding fundamental insect-pathogen ecology.

How timely access to healthcare can be used to identify service gaps and explore health facility needs to improve public health.  This research isn’t just about pointing out a problem its all about using this data to map out a solution. A literal blueprint for change. And the data-driven process they used was beautifully logical.  It is such a powerful reminder of how geographic information is vital for improving public health. And sometimes by having a better map helps to put the gaps into perspective. For more information visit: https://sites.google.com/view/justineblanfordweb/home

In this podcast you will learn about how maps can be used to investigate where malaria hotspots are located and whether these are changing.  For more information visit https://sites.google.com/view/justineblanfordweb/home