Farewell, Murder Hornet | What FAA Regulations Tell Us About Mysterious Drone Sightings

Dec 20, 2024

The invasive Asian giant hornet has been successfully eradicated from the U.S., marking the end of a five-year battle. Discover how this insect's minimal threat to humans masks its danger to bee populations. Also, delve into recent mysterious drone sightings causing public concern in New Jersey, with insights into FAA regulations. The podcast also covers the intricate world of virus naming conventions and groundbreaking research suggesting earwax could reveal health conditions, showcasing the fascinating intersection of science and society.

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INSIGHT

Drone Tech Advancements

Drone technology itself hasn't changed drastically in the past decade.
Regulations around drone usage have evolved significantly, impacting safety and commercial applications.

INSIGHT

Drone Sightings and Legality

Drones flown with lights likely operate legally and with FAA awareness.
However, some unsophisticated attackers misuse drones for contraband drops into prisons, often leaving lights on.

ANECDOTE

Possible Drone Operations

Missy Cummings suggests possible drone operations at Picatinny military base or Bedminster golf course for security/research.
The military's "we can neither confirm nor deny" stance adds to the mystery of drone sightings.

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Officials say the invasive Asian giant hornet, with its menacing nickname, has been eradicated from the United States. Also, with drone sightings in the news, we take a look at the current laws and regulations around hobby and commercial drone operation.

Farewell, Murder Hornet, We Hardly Knew You

Over the past few years many words have been written about an invasive insect known casually as the “murder hornet”—more formally, the Asian giant hornet, or northern giant hornet. But this week, the USDA and the Washington State Department of Agriculture announced that the insect has been eradicated in the United States. Our long national nightmare is over.

Science journalist Maggie Koerth joins Ira to talk about the entomology news, plus other stories from the week in science, including debate over how viruses should be named, the complicated relationship between science and law in the courtroom, and work tracing health signs—through earwax.

What FAA Regulations Tell Us About Mysterious Drone Sightings

It’s been all over the news the last few weeks: a slew of drone sightings in New Jersey and elsewhere on the East Coast, starting in mid-November. Federal authorities and President Biden have said that these drones don’t appear to be a threat to public safety, and that the sightings have been a mix of legal drones, airplanes, and helicopters. But questions and concerns remain, particularly among people who live in these areas. And just this week, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) banned most drones from flying over nearly two dozen New Jersey towns.

Dr. Missy Cummings, professor and director of George Mason University’s Autonomy and Robotics Center in Fairfax, Virginia, has worked on drone technology extensively over the years. She agrees with what federal authorities have said: that these drones sightings are likely legal drones and aircraft, with some prankster drone owners mixed in.

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