Provided is the use of a polypeptide with calcium indicator activity which comprises an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO. 1, or an amino acid sequence which has at least 80% sequence identity thereto, for identifying transmembrane pore formation capability of a target polypeptide, especially an insecticidal protein, in a cellular assay.

System and method embodiments for analyzing a test fluid to detect prior or present infestations of bed bugs are described. In an embodiment, the method may include receiving the test fluid on a test strip within the detection device. The test strip may include a reaction portion and a reagent portion containing an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that is conjugated to a colored particle. The test fluid may include bed bug antigen that reacts with the conjugated antibody. The detection device may include a first and a second optical sensor for monitoring a reaction and a background color intensity, respectively. Upon a predetermined time delay elapsing, the detection device determines whether bed bug antigen is present in the test fluid using the monitored color intensities and minimum and maximum color intensity thresholds associated with bed bugs. Then, the detection device outputs a result using a visual display.

A system and method to detect the presence of bed bugs are disclosed. A system detecting the presence of bed bugs comprises an aptamer solution that includes a base ligand, a fluorophore ligand that includes at least one fluorophore, and a quencher ligand that includes at least one quencher, a liquid application tool, and a fluorescent light source. A method of detecting the presence of bed bugs, comprising providing a liquid application tool that carries an aptamer solution, applying the aptamer solution to a target area, shining fluorescent light on the target area, and observing the target area under the fluorescent light. If there are light spots under the fluorescent light, bed bugs have been present.

The present disclosure provides anti-bed bug monoclonal antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof as well as compositions and kits comprising the same. The present disclosure also provides methods of making monoclonal antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof and methods of using the same to detect bed bugs.

This invention concerns a product comprising one or more purinergic receptor (PR) antagonist for use in prevention and/or treatment of parasitic infestation of a human and/or animal host by an arthropod parasite by exposing the arthropod parasite to one or more PR antagonist, or by contacting the arthropod parasite with one or more PR antagonist. The invention also concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising the product for use in prevention and/or treatment of parasitic infestation of a human and/or animal host by an arthropod parasite, and screening methods to identify suitable PR antagonist.

The present disclosure provides anti-bed bug monoclonal antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof as well as compositions and kits comprising the same. The present disclosure also provides methods of making monoclonal antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof and methods of using the same to detect bed bugs.

Method for supporting the preservation of the insect population, having the following steps of: determining the lethal effect of a product unit on an insect population, determining a difference in the insect population on the basis of the effect of a particular quantity of product units, determining the actual insect population in a predetermined area, determining a desired insect population in the predetermined area, which desired insect population is derived from the actual insect population in the predetermined area and the difference in the insect population, and creating a basis of life for the desired insect population in the predetermined area by adapting the biological nature of the predetermined area.

System and method embodiments for analyzing a test fluid to detect prior or present infestations of bed bugs are described. In an embodiment, the method may include receiving the test fluid on a test strip within the detection device. The test strip may include a reaction portion and a reagent portion containing an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that is conjugated to a colored particle. The test fluid may include bed bug antigen that reacts with the conjugated antibody. The detection device may include a first and a second optical sensor for monitoring a reaction and a background color intensity, respectively. Upon a predetermined time delay elapsing, the detection device determines whether bed bug antigen is present in the test fluid using the monitored color intensities and minimum and maximum color intensity thresholds associated with bed bugs. Then, the detection device outputs a result using a visual display.

The disclosure relates to insecticidal toxin resistance management and screening of novel insecticidal toxins. One embodiment relates to the isolation, characterization, compositions, and methods of use relating to polynucleotides encoding novel insecticidal toxin receptors and the polypeptides encoded thereby. The polynucleotides and polypeptides are useful in identifying or designing novel insecticidal toxin receptor ligands including novel insecticidal toxins.

The invention provides a screening method for identifying an insect-specific TRPA1 modulator by comparing modulation of an insect TRPA1 and a mammalian TRPA1. The invention further provides method of insect control by applying to an insect a insect-specific TRPA1 modulator identified by the screening method.