Bengaluru: UAS scientists are developing innovative methods to assist criminal investigations using insights from insects such as blow flies and flesh flies found on decomposing bodies. The project, led by associate professor Prabhu C Ganiger of agriculture entomology department, focuses on analysing life cycles of these insects to help determine the time and possible cause of death in forensic cases.Ganiger has been collaborating with Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) and collecting cadaver samples to identify and study maggots found on them. “We identified maggots from over 60 samples in about a year and are in the process of publishing our findings,” he said. Highlighting the need for greater research in forensic entomology, he noted that understanding species distribution and habitat diversity across states is crucial for making insect-based forensic analysis reliable and effective.Beyond forensics, Ganiger’s work explores the use of insects in medicine, including maggot debridement therapy (MDT) — a treatment using sterile larvae of green-bottle flies to clean wounds by dissolving dead tissue, which is considered useful for diabetic patients. At Krishi Mela, the UAS team showcased Insect Amazement exhibit, featuring futuristic concepts such as insect-inspired micro air vehicles (MAVs) for real-time data collection and insect-bots modelled on pond-skaters that can glide over water — merging biology with technology for advanced applications in science and defence.
