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A forum will be held to share scientific information on how to avoid insects such as lovebugs and mosquitoes in everyday life.

The National Life Safety Comprehensive Support Group of the National Academy of Science and Technology of Korea will host the 25th National Life Science Talk Lounge online at 11 a.m. on July 21, under the theme "Are lovebugs beneficial insects and mosquitoes pests? What is the truth?"

25th National Life Science Talk Lounge Online Invitation. Provided by the National Academy of Science and Technology of Korea

The Talk Lounge will be moderated by Son Mihyun, a research professor at the Institute for Future Innovation at Seoul National University. Lectures will be delivered by Kim Juil, a professor at the Department of Biological Resources Science at Kangwon National University, and Kim Juhyun, a professor at the Department of Tropical Medicine at Seoul National University College of Medicine.

Professor Kim Juil will provide insights into the lineage and characteristics of lovebugs that have entered and proliferated in Korea, the causes of their rapid increase, the limitations of currently discussed control methods, future breeding trends, and potential social issues.

Professor Kim Juhyun will introduce the types and individual characteristics of mosquitoes found in Korea, methods to respond to mosquito-borne infectious diseases, and practical ways to avoid mosquitoes in daily life.

In the discussion session following the lectures, experts will answer questions that the general public is often curious about, including whether mosquitoes are attracted to certain blood types or scents, whether wearing black clothing helps repel lovebugs and mosquitoes, criteria and methods for selecting effective repellents, and the proper order of using repellents and cosmetics.

Meanwhile, the "National Life Science Advisory Group," which was launched in 2017 to analyze science and technology issues threatening public safety and to communicate with the public, has been expanded and reorganized into the "National Life Safety Comprehensive Support Group" starting this year.

In addition to its existing roles and projects, including hosting the National Life Science Talk Lounge, the group will now support research and development for public life, disaster, and safety response, such as conducting technology demand surveys and establishing collaborative systems for solving social problems, as well as facilitating field application.

The National Academy of Science and Technology of Korea has been selected as the lead organization for the National Life Safety Comprehensive Support Group and plans to hold an inauguration ceremony at the end of August.