Bed bugs have risen to the top of the public health agenda, and they’re providing opportunities for molecular biologists such as Prof. Kurt Saltzmann of Purdue University to use their background in agricultural pest control to address this problem. Kurt, pictured below,  is speaking about his research next week in Guelph at the Ontario Pest Management Conference, where he’ll be looking to recruit other scientists to join a network of experts united in battling the blood-sucking insect. I write about his efforts in today’s Urban Cowboy column in the Guelph Mercury. Kurt says society has become lax in dealing with bed bugs, and urges home owners and renters to stay vigilant — steam and launder your belongings, vacuum with zeal, and seal gaps where bed bugs can hide.

Prof. Kurt Saltzmann