A surprising ally in the fight against the spotted lanternfly: Ants
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 11-Nov-2025 16:20 ET (11-Nov-2025 21:20 GMT/UTC)
Virginia Tech researchers have discovered a clever new way to detect an invasive pest — by letting ants lead the way.
WASHINGTON D. C. — Two U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) engineers received the prestigious Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers of the Year Award on June 25 during a live-streamed ceremony broadcast from Naval Research and Development Establishment sites of the award recipients. At NRL, the ceremony was displayed on a large screen in an auditorium, where more than 100 NRL employees gathered to view the event in person.