Understanding the fly genome could help us improve human health and the environment
A group of scientists has sequenced and analysed the genome of the house fly, identifying the genes that allow it to survive in toxic environments. The study has been published in the journal, Genome Biology.
Researchers say that by understanding how flies are immune to the diseases they carry, it would become possible to find treatments or vaccines for diseases like typhoid and tuberculosis.
The house fly (Musca domestica), which lives on human and animal waste, is critical to scientific study in its capacity as waste decomposer and carrier of several human diseases.
The consortium sequenced the genomes of six female houseflies and compared it to the genome of the common fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). The comparison showed that house flies had many more immune genes than the Drosophila genome.
"House flies are a fascinating insect for scientists in many areas, such as developmental biology, sex determination, immunity, toxicology and physiology. The completed genome will be a phenomenal tool for researchers in all of these fields and will facilitate rapid advancements,” lead author of the paper, Jeff Scott, said in an article.
The fly genome will also help researchers understand detoxification genes that help the fly break down waste. This information could help us deal with human waste and improve the environment.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.