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Biologists Identify Honeybee 'Clean' Genes Known For Improving Survival

posted by mrpg on Tuesday February 19 2019, @05:51AM   
from the bees-believe-in-vaccines dept.

janrinok writes:

Arthur T Knackerbracket has found the following story:

The key to breeding disease-resistant honeybees could lie in a group of genes -- known for controlling hygienic behaviour -- that enable colonies to limit the spread of harmful mites and bacteria, according to genomics research conducted at York University.

Some worker honeybees detect and remove sick and dead larvae and pupae from their colonies. This hygienic behaviour, which has a strong genetic component, is known to improve the colony's chance of survival. The researchers narrowed in on the "clean" genes that influence this behaviour to understand the evolution of this unique trait.

The finding, published today in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution, could lead to a new technique for use in selective breeding programs around the world to enhance the health of honeybees.

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Original Submission

• Bees are Nazis? Bees are Nazis? (Score: 2) by MostCynical on Tuesday February 19 2019, @08:47AM (4 children)

  by MostCynical (2589) on Tuesday February 19 2019, @08:47AM (#803405) Journal

  Does this help eugenics proponents?

  --
  "I guess once you start doubting, there's no end to it." -Batou, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

  Starting Score:	1		point
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• Re:Bees are Nazis? Re:Bees are Nazis? (Score: 3, Touché) by Gaaark on Tuesday February 19 2019, @09:32AM (1 child)

  by Gaaark (41) on Tuesday February 19 2019, @09:32AM (#803412) Journal

  You should see their little showers: they switched zyklon B for neonicotinoid BZZZZ

  --
  --- Please remind me if I haven't been civil to you: I'm channeling MDC. ---Gaaark 2.0 ---

  Parent

  • Re:Bees are Nazis? (Score: 2) by DeathMonkey on Tuesday February 19 2019, @06:31PM

    by DeathMonkey (1380) on Tuesday February 19 2019, @06:31PM (#803594) Journal

    Well that's definitely the cutest genocide I've ever imagined.

    Parent

• Nah, bees are Spartans Nah, bees are Spartans (Score: 2) by fyngyrz on Tuesday February 19 2019, @04:32PM (1 child)

  by fyngyrz (6567) on Tuesday February 19 2019, @04:32PM (#803522) Journal

  I'm just imagining the bees buzzing in tiny bee-speak: "SPAAAAARTA!"

  --
  But, Your Honor, the light had dopplered to green.

  Parent

  • Re:Nah, bees are Spartans (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday February 19 2019, @07:24PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday February 19 2019, @07:24PM (#803624)

    I think that is:
    point 45* walk waggle waggle walk walk
    turn straight down, walk walk waggle walk
    point at staring position waggle waggle walk walk waggle walk
    repeat as long as needed.

    Parent