Antibodies and Bee Venom

Photo by Adam_d_ via Flickr CC

We're used to antibodies searching for germs and viruses within our own bodies, and now that same concept is put to use for marine pollution. Researchers at Virginia Institute of Marine Science have developed antibodies that can detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the chemicals within oil spills, and have devised a sensor that can be used to find, and measure, pollutants.

Article continues: Antibodies Used To Sense Marine Pollution, Oil Spills

Photo by Andy Hay via Flickr CC

Scientists from MIT have discovered that by coating carbon nanotubes in bee venom, they can create ultra-sensitive detectors for explosives such as TNT, as well as at least two different types of pesticides. This means that bees and their stingers could become important to making better environmental sensors.

Article continues: Bee Venom Used To Detect Explosives and Pesticides