RNAi clarification
"makes the varroa behave as if it is trying to remove a virus from its own body "
that is basically a poor explanation of RNAi NOT what they have done.
they insert length of ds RNA (very stable unlike ss RNA) - a virus defence system (including the wonderfully named molecule DICER) chops it up thinking it is a virus - this frees up ss RNA complimentary to target gene, stopping it being read.
if target gene is an important varroa specific "housekeeping" gene then provided enough gets into the mites they will die.
the team have however NOT as far as i understand the reports, found and targetted a "lethal" gene only proved the point of principle (ie delivery and knockdown).
this is a routine technique in labs nowadays - in fact (and i couldn't condone this) ANYONE wanting to get ahead of the field could look at varroa genome data, choose a target gene, come up with RNAi sequence using free software package and order a batch online very cheaply. add it to your feeder and see what happens. it might do nothing, kill your bees or it might work! who knows?
shall i send HRP a white coat to go with his bucket of tea and parker knowle???
oh and by the way nice to see BBC still using pics of bumblebees on flowers for honeybee features!!!!