Researchers at Michigan State University conducted an innovative experiment aimed at controlling the invasive sea lamprey population in the Great Lakes.

Sea lampreys, known for their parasitic behavior, have caused significant harm to native fish species, prompting scientists to search for new control methods.

In this experiment, researchers mixed water with the remains of dead sea lampreys, hypothesizing that the scent of the decaying carcasses could act as a natural repellent. Many animals have evolved to avoid areas that smell like death as a survival mechanism, and the scientists believed that live sea lampreys might exhibit similar behavior.

The experiment showed promising results, as the mixture of water and dead lamprey scent successfully repelled live lampreys in controlled conditions. This technique, if further developed, could potentially serve as an eco-friendly way to deter the invasive species and help protect native fish populations in the region.

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