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.
(Score: 2) by PinkyGigglebrain on Tuesday February 19 2019, @03:45PM
Sometimes the weirdest things go through my mind when I read Soylent.
After reading the article summary "The Green Brain" [wikipedia.org] by Frank Herbert , a book I have not thought of in literally decades, popped into my head. There were these genetically engineered butterfly/bee creatures briefly mentioned in the book that Humanity had created to take care of pollination after the Honeybees had been all but wiped out.
I found it to be a strange but interesting read, like most of Herberts's works.
"Beware those who would deny you Knowledge, For in their hearts they dream themselves your Master."