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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Localization of Odorant Receptor Genes in Locust Antennae by RNA In Situ Hybridization
Published on: July 13, 2017
Functional conservation of an insect odorant receptor gene across 250 million years of evolution
Walton D Jones1, Thuy-Ai T Nguyen, Brian Kloss
1Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Abstract:
Pest insects have a profound negative impact on agriculture and human health. Significant global losses of crops, stored agricultural products, timber and livestock can be attributed to damage and destruction by insects . Blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes, flies and ticks transmit many of humanity's most devastating infectious diseases. Insect-borne diseases account for more than one million annual fatalities, and insect-associated illnesses surpass 300 million annual reported cases . The medical and economic impact of these animals can be ascribed in part to the sensitivity and selectivity of their olfactory systems, essential for location of their preferred plant and animal hosts.
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