Published On July 23, 2008
BEES BECOME DIAGNOSTICIANS IN A GLASS INSTRUMENT designed by artist Susana Soares. The insects, which have exquisitely sensitive antennae, can be trained to show a Pavlovian response to odorous molecules that indicate a single physiological factor, such as ovulation, or a disease state, such as tuberculosis (as in the instrument shown). When a user blows into the object, the bees either are attracted to the chamber holding the breath (signaling a positive result) or ignore it completely (negative). Future targets could include lung cancer and diabetes.
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