This news is the bee’s knees — the honeybee genome squenced
As reported on Quirks and Quarks (amongst other places), the complete genomic sequence of the honeybee has been completed. This means all the genes have been located and identified. Why is it important that we have the whole honeybee genome sequenced? Because honeybees are vital to our existence. Honeybees still pollinate the majority of the food crops we eat. Honeybees are also under threat from several diseases and parasites (the bee mite is the most well known … and responsible for wiping out a large number of North American bees).
By knowing the genome of the bee, scientists can work on finding how why some bees are immune to the mites and others aren’t. From there effective treatments can be developed. Yes, this is a long way off, but it is critically important to us. All of us
Tags: honeybees, honeybee genome
Comments Off