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Smarter toxins help crops fight resistant pests

A UA-led team of researchers discovered a new edge in overcoming resistance to certain pests by modifying the structure of crop-protecting proteins called Bt toxins. The modified toxins were found to be effective against some resistant strains, but not always working as expected and requiring further testing.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 9, 2011

Insecticide resistance could threaten long-term malaria prevention and elimination in Africa

Research in Senegal found growing resistance to a common insecticide class among mosquitoes, coupled with increased susceptibility of older children and adults, resulting in malaria resurgence. The study suggests that new strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the devastating effects of insecticide resistance on malaria control.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 17, 2011

Bedbug genetic study finds possible pesticide-resistance genes

A recent study on bedbugs has identified potential genes associated with pesticide resistance, shedding light on the mechanisms behind their increasing resilience to insecticides. The research may lead to the development of novel control methods that are more effective against these troublesome insects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 19, 2011

New insect birth control strategy zaps cotton pests

Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a novel approach to controlling pink bollworm pests in cotton fields. By combining pest-resistant cotton with the controlled release of sterile moths, they have virtually eliminated the pest from Arizona, allowing growers to maintain high yields without spraying insecticides.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 7, 2010

An end to lice: The effectiveness of a new oral treatment has been demonstrated

A new oral treatment has been shown to be effective in 95% of cases against head lice, providing a real therapeutic alternative to conventional anti-lice lotions. The study used oral Ivermectin administered at 400 μg per kilogram and found significant improvements compared to traditional malathion lotion treatments.

Study shows that suffocating head lice works in new treatment

A new non-neurotoxic treatment for head lice has been found to be safe and effective in children from six months of age and up, with an average treatment success rate of 91.2% after one week. The treatment, benzyl alcohol lotion 5% (Ulesfia), works by suffocating lice, a method previously attempted with household items.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Dermatology·DateFeb 24, 2010

Minimal changes alter an enzyme dramatically

A research team at Uppsala University discovered that point mutation can introduce new functions into an enzyme without major structural alterations. This finding may explain the emergence of resistance to toxins in various organisms, including insects, viruses, bacteria, and tumors.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 19, 2010

Best entomology articles in 2008

The Entomological Society of America announced the Editor's Choice Awards for 2008, recognizing outstanding articles in various journals. The awards honored authors who made significant contributions to entomology, including research on termite invasions, gypsy moth distribution, and insect-vector relationships.

Evolution-proof insecticides may stall malaria forever

Researchers have discovered a new approach to controlling malaria by killing only older mosquitoes, reducing the selection for resistant insects. This method could lead to evolution-proof insecticides that never become obsolete, saving millions of dollars in development costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 6, 2009

Control, treatment of bed bugs challenging

A recent review of published articles suggests bed bug bites are unlikely to transmit disease, but may cause skin reactions. Effective treatments for symptomatic bed bug bites have not been established, and eradication is complicated by insecticide resistance.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 31, 2009

Saving wheat crops worldwide

Researchers at CSIRO Australia have discovered a key to overcoming three major cereal diseases, providing long-lasting protection against multiple pathogens. The Lr34 gene sequence offers broad-spectrum control of leaf rust, stripe rust, and powdery mildew, with tests showing constant protection for over 80 years.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2009

Biotech cotton 8: Bugs 0

A team of scientists from the University of Arizona found no net increase in resistance to Bt crops, with a decrease in resistance reported instead. This is contrary to experts' predictions when these crops were first commercialized. The use of refuges has driven pesticide use to historic low levels, saving growers $80 per acre.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2005

Farmers don't need a new superstar toxin to fight bugs

Researchers found that using plants with moderately effective genetic modifications in a buffer zone around main crops can play a major role in insect control. This approach delays the development of resistant insects by creating negative cross-resistance, effectively eliminating them from invading the main crop.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Insecticide resistance: A constraint on evolutionary change

Research reveals that mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti are less likely to develop high levels of insecticide resistance due to a silent genetic mutation. The study found that only one base mutation is needed for some mosquito species, like Anopheles gambiae, but two adjacent mutations are required in others, including Aedes aegypti.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 2004

Tests show biotech corn rules need revision

Researchers found that biotech corn carrying a gene for insect protection can pollinate non-Bt corn plants up to 100 feet away, posing a risk of contaminating refuge areas. The discovery suggests measures are needed to reduce pollen spread from Bt corn to corn fields requiring refuge zones.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2004

Pesticide resistance warning after gene discovery

Researchers at University of Melbourne warn of potential risks in pesticide control due to widespread resistance discovered in Drosophila melanogaster fly species. The gene Cyp6g1 confers resistance by producing more protein that breaks down pesticides, posing significant challenges for future pest management options.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalScience·DateSep 26, 2002