Mon Dec 23 10:31:49 UTC 2024: ## UoH Graduate’s Innovative Solution Combats Persistent Acid Fly Problem
**Hyderabad, December 23, 2024** – A University of Hyderabad (UoH) alumnus has developed a practical solution to a long-standing problem plaguing students: Acid fly infestations in university hostels. Tejas Anto Kannampuzha, a 2022 Physics graduate, collaborated with B.R. Shamanna from the School of Medical Sciences to address the issue caused by Paederus flies, whose contact leads to painful skin burns.
Kannampuzha’s research, published in the Indian Journal of Entomology, focused on reducing ultraviolet A (UV-A) radiation emitted by lighting in hostel rooms. A study of 209 students affected by a Paederus dermatitis outbreak showed that LED lights, emitting significantly less UV-A radiation than CFLs or incandescent bulbs, drastically reduced fly attacks.
The findings suggest a simple yet effective solution: replacing existing lighting with LEDs. UoH Vice-Chancellor B.J. Rao commended the research team’s practical approach and encouraged further investigation into the relationship between light sources and fly attraction. The university plans to implement the findings to mitigate this recurring problem.
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