Scientists at the University of Aberdeen have found a way to make a parasite of the honey bee to self destruct, preventing more of a decline in the bee's population.
The varroa mite targets honey bees, attaching on to their backs and making a hole in them from which they feed. They inject viruses into the bees in order to keep their immune system down to keep the hole open. This eventually kills the bees.
Dr Alan Bowman's team has developed a way of switching off certain genes in the mites by introducing RNA, which is very similar to DNA, into the mites, which attached to their DNA causing genes to stop functioning. This tricks the mite's immune system into attacking itself so it eventually dies.
The RNA is completely selective to the mites and would not harm the bees or any other insects that come into contact with it. This means the treatment can be used inside the hives, making it very direct and effective.
It is hoped that this treatment could put a stop to the decline in the population of honey bees.
To find out more:
Paper: Campbell, Budge and Bowman. Gene knockdown in the honey bee mite Varroa destructor by a non-invasive approach (2010) Parasites and Vectors.
Articles: Science launch fightback against mite that is wiping out our bees... by making it self destruct, Daily Mail
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