Scientists have discovered a ‘superfly’ which is resistant to the pesticide DDT and may have actually gained a genetic advantage from spraying, making them stronger.
New evidence suggests that by surviving DDT spraying the fruit flies develop a genetic advantage. This might mean they are more likely to thrive once the pesticide stops being used.
This defies previous logic, which indicated that DDT-resistant flies were at a genetic disadvantage to non-resistant flies after the spraying period.
It is thought that the same genetic factors may be behind the struggle to control hospital superbugs.
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