BY ANTHONY RIZZO
Central Michigan University faculty are using a new method for early detection of invasive species.
The new technology is an easy-to-use and inexpensive method for searching ships, ports and other at-risk areas for invasive species like zebra or quagga mussels and Asian carp.
Experts say the early detection of invasive species is critical to combating their spread.
Dr. Andrew Mahon is an assistant professor of Biology at CMU. He's a leader in the use of the new technology.
"The laser-transmission spectroscopy is just the platform that is coupled with some standard genetic techniques that allows us to look for some target species; if we're looking for zebra mussels or quagga mussels or any other invasive species that we're concerned about."
Dr. Mahon said the technology is paving the way for field-based identification of harmful species.