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INSECT "STRESS" 

We are all familiar with the idea that a thermometer can be used to measure our body temperature, and that a high body temperature, fever, is indicative of us being ill. Well, that is precisely what we are doing! But instead of using a thermometer (which uses thermal reflectance data), we are collecting and analyzing high-spatial resolution data across a wide range of wavelengths. 

mosquito w fever.jpg

Suppose now, that we have two groups of mosquitoes, and that we acquire high-spatial resolution imaging reflectance data from both groups of mosquitoes at multiple time points - we develop a time series data set. One of these groups of insects is "control", while the other group of insects have been exposed to some experimental level stress (for instance, treated with an insecticide). We would expect "reflectance features" (specific traits within the high-spatial resolution imaging reflectance data) to be similar between the two groups, until the effect of the stressors "kicks in" - as indicated by the arrow.

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Spectral Analytix Inc can detect and quantify responses by individual insects and other living organisms to stressors over time. This information can be used either alone or in combination with behavioral data or molecular data explain and describe treatment effects.   

Published example from 2016: Detection of Temporal Changes in Insect Body Reflectance in Response to Killing Agents

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