SNIFFER BEES - Insects are trained to detect bombs or dope
BEES are being trained to sniff out drugs and terrorist bombs.
And experts believe they can deliver the ultimate sting in the war on crime.
The idea, pioneered in Britain, has already been successfully tested in the US.
It involves a shoe-box sized device containing bees taught to respond to certain smells by being rewarded with sugared water.
When they detect the target scent they stick out their proboscis - similar to a tongue - and the tiny movement is picked up by sensors attached to a computer.
Experts say each bee can be trained within minutes. The project was originated by UK firm Inscentinel - which has just three employees - and a part-time beekeeper in Hertfordshire.
Researchers at Los Alamos in New Mexico are delighted with their success rate on simulated car bombs, suicide bombers and drug stashes.
Scientist Timothy Haar-man said: "It's phenomenal."
A British spokesman said: "We believe the bees can also be trained to detect medical problems - and even dry rot."
Source
Want to detect bombs or dope - Call in the Bees
Re: Want to detect bombs or dope - Call in the Bees
