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Remote-controlled mini-tank enlisted in war on dengue fever

Society Materials 11 January 2008 06:53 (UTC +04:00)

A "dengue-fighting" tank has been developed in Singapore to dispense insecticide at mosquito-breeding sites in the battle against dengue fever, its creators said Friday.

Weighing about 4 kilograms, the mini-tank works like a radio- controlled car, said researchers at Singapore Polytechnic working with the National Environment Agency.

Nearly 25 centimetres high, it zips along, deftly making sharp turns and rolling over low obstacles.

A camera mounted atop the vehicle sends video images of the route to a screen console manned by a human controller.

When the tank locates areas of standing water where the dengue- transmitting Aedes mosquito could breed, the controller touches a button, releasing an insecticide.

Deaths from dengue fever reached 20 last year in Singapore. A total of 8,826 people were diagnosed with the disease. ( Dpa )

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