That's because they can now use those distinctive black and white stripes to count a population, bar code style.

因为他们可以使用斑马身上独特的黑白条纹来统计斑马的数目，就像商品条形码一样。

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But the black matrix bar code symbols have become a harbor for malicious code writers who devise ways to steal personal data.

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Using an instrument similar to the scanning bar-code guns at supermarket checkouts, this machine analyses black plastics with a laser.

ECONOMIST: Recycling