To Kill Off Parasites, an Insect Self-Medicates with Alcohol (1 of 2) (VIDEO)

Cell Press

Caption

Alcoholic drinks aren’t generally put into the category of health food, but in some cases they might be just the cure for nasty parasites. That’s according to a study published online on Feb. 16 in Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, showing that fruit flies will actually seek out alcohol to kill off blood-borne parasitic wasps living within them.

Credit

Milan et al., <i>Current Biology</i>

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Under embargo until Thursday, Feb 16th, 2012

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