Night and Day: Researchers Hunt for Genes Tied to When Mosquitoes Bite
In regions where bed nets are common, some mosquitoes have shifted their feeding times to avoid the nets. A new study digs into the genetic basis for this behavioral shift.
California Study Warns of Growing Insecticide Resistance in Cockroaches
Researchers in California tested several common insecticide baits used for management of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) and found evidence of resistance to all but one bait in several field-caught populations.
Inducing Mosquitoes to Lay Eggs Aids in Insecticide Resistance Testing
Testing field-caught mosquitoes for insecticide resistance is a critical effort in the fight against malaria and other vector-borne diseases. Researchers in Thailand say a "forced oviposition" method has proven successful in inducing field-caught Anopheles mosquitoes to lay eggs and spawn lab populations big enough for insecticide-resistance testing.
The Problems Driving Resistance to Bt Crops—and Some Proposed Solutions
Cotton and corn are threatened by growing resistance in the pest Helicoverpa zea (a.k.a. bollworm or corn earworm) to the insecticidal properties of Bt crops. Two researchers identify contributing factors and identify insecticide resistance management practices that could help slow the problem.