insect olfactory receptors

Researchers have reverse-engineered insect smell receptors to identify the sex pheromones of moths, according to a report by Bioengineer.org. By decoding how these olfactory receptors detect chemical signals, scientists can pinpoint the exact compounds moths use to attract mates. The work could lead to new pest-control methods that disrupt moth mating without pesticides, and highlights how receptor engineering is advancing the study of chemical communication in insects.