Eliminate the reproductive ability of pests and diseases

Entomologists have identified a neuropeptide (brain signaling protein) named Natalisin, which plays a role in controlling insect reproductive activities. This discovery paved the way for the production of pesticides that did not have a great impact on the environment.

Often found in arthropods is peptidergic , a network that uses proteins to transmit nerve 'messages' in the body. Natalisin is part of this system. Professor Yoonseong Park, of the University of Kansas (USA), a member of the research group, said: 'Natalisin exists only on insects and arthropods, evolved with them . Natalisin involves controlling fertility and mating behavior in beetles and arthropods'.

Destroy Natalisin to lose the ability to mate and reproduce in insects.(Source: WIKIMEDIA COMMON)

The study was conducted by the University of Kansas, Korea Institute of Science and Technology and Slovak-Slovak Academy of Science. Scientists focused on observing fruit flies, beetles and moths. These insects have four distinct stages of development, eggs, larvae, pupae and adult, making it easier to observe how Natalisin works. The results showed Natalisin in 3 to 4 pairs of brain neurons from all three insects. Using a genetic modification tool called RNAi (RNA interference) , the scientists tried to suppress the effect of Natalisin in the insect's brain. This experiment causes insects to lose their ability to mate and reproduce.

Natalisin especially exists only on insects, so scientists can create insecticides that only affect pests and diseases that need to be eradicated without affecting people and the environment. . This study also offers many innovations about how the nervous system works in insects.