Researchers rediscover fast-acting insecticide used by Nazi army, lost after war

THE TIMES OF ISRAEL ^ | October 15, 2019 | Luke Tress

[LucyT]

The chemical, DFDT, could have an impact combating disease-carrying mosquitoes while causing less environmental damage than the chemically similar DDT.

American scientists previously looked into the insecticide in the 1940s, but it was lost in the chaos following World War II, likely due to its ties to the Nazi regime.

Chemistry researchers had been examining the insecticide DDT, known for its devastating environmental effects. They made some changes to DDT’s crystal structure by swapping out chlorine atoms for fluorine, and tested the new chemical, known as DFDT, on fruit flies and mosquitoes.

DFDT killed mosquitoes — including species that carry malaria, yellow fever, Dengue and Zika — two to four times faster than DDT.

“Speed thwarts the development of resistance,” said study author Michael Ward. “Insecticide crystals kill mosquitoes when they are absorbed through the pads of their feet. Effective compounds kill insects quickly, possibly before they are able to reproduce.”

[5th MEB]

YES; early and often, on the invaders who are bringing the bedbugs!

[Manuel OKelley]

MD

[Rebelbase]

Same here. Good times.

[Redcitizen]

" I’m more interested in discovering the formula for the Serum that transformed Steve Rogers to Captain America "

Some side effects may occur. :)

[sweetiepiezer]

Thanks for the ping.

I have had 2 scorpions in my house in the last month.

Wonder if it would kill scorpions?

[mabarker1]

Will this stuff work on political scumbags ?