BioMed Central
Insecticidal toxin useless without 'friendly' bacteria accomplices
Published in Biotech Business Week, March 16th, 2009
The toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a popular insecticide used to control pest moths and butterflies, and in some GM pest-proof crops. In a study published in the open access journal BMC Biology, researchers show that its effectiveness against a number of susceptible Lepidopteran species depends on the presence of the normally "friendly" bacteria that colonise their guts. Without these bacteria, the Bt toxin can become impotent in some species.
A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin studied the effects of wiping out the commensal gut bacteria using antibiotics in six moth and butterfly species. In five of these species, the...
Want to see the full article?
We're a pay-per-view site for premium content. If you'd like to purchase this article, it's only $3.00.
Welcome to NewsRx!
Learn more about a six-week, no-risk free trial of Biotech Business Week
More Articles from Biotech Business Week
- American Gastroenterological Association
Alcohol types and socioeconomic status are associated with Barrett's esophagus risk - American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Water method for unsedated colonoscopy; interval between prep and colonoscopy predicts prep quality - Amyris Biotechnologies
Milestone achieved toward production of malaria treatment using synthetic biology and fermentation - Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Experts examine causes, treatment and prevention of glaucoma - BioMed Central
Being overweight worsens osteoarthritis - BioMed Central
Desert ants smell their way home - More from this issue of Biotech Business Week
NewsRx is Social
Follow us on your favorite social network by clicking on a button below:
Top Medical Newsletters
Awards
Best Health/Healthcare Content, 2012
Best Health/Healthcare Content, 2011
Best e-Business Site, 2010
Best e-Business Site, 2009
Best e-Business Site, 2008
Best e-Business Site, 2007
Best e-Business Site, 2006
Best Healthcare Content, 2005
Best Overall Internet Site, 2005
Best Interactive Site, 2005
Facts & Stats
NewsRx also is available at LexisNexis, Gale, ProQuest, Factiva, Dialog, Thomson Reuters, NewsEdge, and Dow Jones.
- Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top Health News and Media Publications
- Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top Science Publications in Biology/Physiology
- Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top News and Media for the Business of Pharmaceuticals
- Amazon's Alexa 2010 PageRank: #2 News and Media Site for the Pharmaceutical Industry
