Gene-targeting weapon against Bed Bugs
Bed bug bites are unpleasant and itchy, and the bugs are tough to eradicate, usually requiring several applications of insecticides. After decades of declining populations, bed bugs have made a resurgence due to resistance to pesticides. Now, researchers have decoded the genome of the bed bug, which could lead to new ways to combat the pest’s resurgence due to their pesticide resistance. Soon, they may develop better ways to control bed bugs. Studying the genome of the bed bug creates a means of new research opportunities. The genome is the complete set of genes or genetic material in a living thing. Back in 2003, the sequencing of the human genome was completed and since then scientists have been broken the genomes of thousands of other creatures. The research has identified 273 genes that are part of the bed bug’s outer skeleton, which acts as protection against pesticides.
