News From the Field

Genomic study ties insect evolution to the ability to detect airborne odors


August 2, 2018

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A new study reveals that all insects use specialized odorant receptors that enable them to detect and pursue mates, identify enemies, find food and -- unfortunately for humans -- spread disease. This puts to rest a recent hypothesis that only some insects evolved the ability to detect airborne odors as an adaptation to flight, the researchers said. Full Story

Source
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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