All articles tagged with #disease vectors
Yale researchers found that the sulfur-containing compound diallyl disulfide—formed as garlic is crushed—activates the fly’s TrpA1 receptor and dramatically reduces mating and egg-laying in fruit flies and other disease-carrying species like tsetse flies and mosquitoes, suggesting garlic could inform pest-reduction strategies.
Japanese scientists accidentally discovered a virus, named Spodoptera litura male-killing virus (SLMKV), that specifically targets and kills male insects. The virus was found in a green caterpillar, and subsequent breeding experiments revealed that only three males were born in 13 generations. Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of a virus, and attempts to eliminate its effects with antibiotics were unsuccessful. This discovery could potentially help control populations of disease vectors like mosquitoes and agricultural pests, and may also contribute to the search for a "female killer" to control mosquito populations.
Japanese scientists from Minami Kyushu University accidentally discovered a virus, named Spodoptera litura male-killing virus (SLMKV), that specifically targets and kills male insects. The virus was found in a green caterpillar, and subsequent breeding experiments revealed that only three males were born in 13 generations. Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of a virus, and attempts to eliminate the "male-killing" effect with antibiotics were unsuccessful. This discovery could potentially help control populations of disease vectors like mosquitoes and aid in finding a "female killer" to control their populations.
Scientists in Japan have discovered a virus that selectively kills male insects, which could potentially help control populations of agricultural pests and disease vectors. The virus was found by chance in caterpillars and is inheritable, resulting in generations of all-female insects. This finding suggests that there may be more cases of male-killing viruses in the future.