The DNA sequence of a wood-munching marauder

Sep 13, 2024 · 10m 16s
The DNA sequence of a wood-munching marauder
Description

Tapping out the DNA code of the Deathwatch Beetle gives hope to future conservation research into battling this wood-munching marauder. The tapping sound of the adult Deathwatch Beetle, Xestobium rufovillosum,...

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Tapping out the DNA code of the Deathwatch Beetle gives hope to future conservation research into battling this wood-munching marauder.

The tapping sound of the adult Deathwatch Beetle, Xestobium rufovillosum, a wood-boring insect, was traditionally meant to be bad luck, heralding tragedy in a household. Often heard in the quiet of the night, it was thought to be a countdown to death. Ironically, the ominous sound of the tapping adult beetle is actually a beetle duet between male and female adult beetles who tap to find mates in order to carry on the Deathwatch Beetle line.Out of the wood and into the lab, researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute have sequenced the genome of the Deathwatch Beetle for the first time.

Armed with the genome sequence of the Deathwatch Beetle, researchers at the University of Oxford, Cranfield University, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy have joined forces to further the study of the Deathwatch Beetle. Their aim is to assist with ongoing conservation efforts, better understand the beetle’s behaviour, biology and preserve the historic British warship HMS Victory.
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Author Wellcome Sanger Institute
Organization Wellcome Sanger Institute
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