South Texas university harnesses power of aerial drones

South Texas researchers could have a new tool in their chest the next time the harmful algae bloom known as red tide strikes the Gulf of Mexico coastline.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi this week conducted several test flights of an unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly referred to as a drone, alongside a piloted airplane near Baffin Bay. The flights began Monday and ended Friday.

“We do a lot of red tide research at the university, so the drone is just an extension of that research,” said Gloria Gallardo, director of communications and public affairs at the university. “Hopefully, we can get some solutions that really affect a broad area.”

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