The latest advances in such fields as biotechnology, genetic research, as well as pharmaceutical discoveries have resulted in a series of unexpected outcomes. Hence, scientists point out the increased level of drug resistance in certain bacteria and animals. In other words, some of the strains of bacteria have become completely resistant to antibiotics. As a result, fighting with pests is more problematic, as the poisons do not have the necessary impact. Therefore, the question arises concerning the scientific discoveries that might assist in resolving this problem.
First and foremost, it is currently critical to prevent the increase of the pest resistance. Specialists note that the number of pests that are resistant to all the chemicals is relatively small – as a rule, whereas, they do not react to one poison, the other antibiotic is likely to have the necessary impact (Wixted, Flashinski, & Boerboom, 2003). From this perspective, the most innovative technique aimed at preventing the development of the undesirable resistance in pests is the so-called “negative cross-resistance”. The relevant method implies using various pesticides in a particular manner to control the pests. The implementation of this technique will allow scientists to identify a second biocide – either a pesticide– that would be effective in killing the resistant pest. As long as the second biocide is found, it can be used together with the first biocide, and the effect will be more powerful.
In the meantime, it is essential to note that the employment of the described method requires studying more than 100,000 compounds. Nerveless, researchers point out that despite a large number of the essential compounds, the method is highly emerging (Wixted, Flashinski, & Boerboom, 2003). Thus, it is capable of delaying resistance for decades in case it is properly applied.
Another field that offers solutions for the described problem is genetic engineering. The practice of creating resistant animals’ genes is rather wide-spread; however, little is said about the creation of anti-resistance in particular species. Thus, the latest discoveries in gene engineering allow modifying genes so that they initially have a maximally low level of resistance to the necessary pesticides. The key problem that exists within the relevant framework resides in the fact that the outcomes of any artificial intervention in gene transformation are impossible to predict accurately. Thus, there is a chance of making the situation with pests even worse in an attempt to resolve it.
Finally, two simple approaches can be applied to the solution of the relevant problem at the mundane level. Hence, to protect one’s household, two techniques can be employed. First of all, in case the resistance to the employed pesticide is identified, it is recommended to reformulate its basis by adding a new pesticide. Also, specialists focus on the importance of a regular change of the pesticide patters. This can be performed by idea reducing or increasing the number of pesticides one employs for fighting with pests. The constant change of the dose does not allow pests to develop consistent resistance.
It is critical to take into account the fact that a large part of the pests’ restraining activity is carried out without a human’s participation – the process flows naturally, and the excessively intense intervention might worsen the situation. Therefore, the principal target of a person is to focus on the preservation of the environment and reducing its intervention into its laws.
Reference List
Wixted, D., Flashinski, R., & Boerboom, C. (2003). Training manual for the private pesticide applicator: general farming. New York, New York: Pesticide Applicator Training.