These Specially Trained Bees May Be the Latest Form of Airport Security
Katherine Pendrill — June 24, 2015 — Tech
References: plosone.org & magazine.good.is
New research suggests that specially trained honeybees could soon replace canines as a form of airport security. The study was conducted as a partnership between researchers at the University in Giessen and the German State Office of Criminal Investigation. Their joint findings ultimately suggest that the Western honeybee could eventually replace drug-sniffing dogs.
In the study, the researchers used an electroantennographic device to measure the sensory perception of Western honeybees. They found that these honeybees had a unique ability to sense samples of cocaine and heroin. The researchers then worked to train the honeybees to show a reliable behavioral response in the presence of these particular drugs. The study demonstrated that the trained honeybees could complement or even replace the drug-sniffing dogs currently being used in airports.
While these specially trained bees are not being used in airports yet, it is possible that they could be used as a form of airport security in the near future.
In the study, the researchers used an electroantennographic device to measure the sensory perception of Western honeybees. They found that these honeybees had a unique ability to sense samples of cocaine and heroin. The researchers then worked to train the honeybees to show a reliable behavioral response in the presence of these particular drugs. The study demonstrated that the trained honeybees could complement or even replace the drug-sniffing dogs currently being used in airports.
While these specially trained bees are not being used in airports yet, it is possible that they could be used as a form of airport security in the near future.
1.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
