U.S Scientist create bomb sniffing bees....

*Raph's Girl* · 11-27-2006, 10:19 PM

Scientists at a U.S. weapons laboratory say they have trained bees to sniff out explosives in a project they say could have far-reaching applications for U.S. homeland security and the Iraq war.

Researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico said they trained honeybees to stick out their proboscis -- the tube they use to feed on nectar -- when they smell explosives in anything from cars and roadside bombs to belts similar to those used by suicide bombers.

Researchers in the program, dubbed the Stealthy Insect Sensor Project, published their findings on Monday.

By exposing the insects to the odor of explosives followed by a sugar water reward, researchers said they trained bees to recognize substances ranging from dynamite and C-4 plastic explosives to the Howitzer propellant grains used in improvised explosive devices in Iraq.

"When bees detect the presence of explosives, they simply stick their proboscis out," research scientist Tim Haarmann told Reuters in a telephone interview. "You don't have to be an expert in animal behavior to understand it as there is no ambiguity."

The findings followed 18 months of research at the U.S. Energy Department's Los Alamos facility, the nation's leading nuclear weapons laboratory.

"We are very excited at the success of our research as it could have far-reaching implications for both defense and homeland security," Haarmann said.

While scientists have trained wasps to respond to the trace of explosives, Haarmann said research with bees appeared to show more promise.

Haarmann said the bees could be carried in hand-held detectors the size of a shoe box, and could be used to sniff out explosives in airports, roadside security checks, or even placed in robot bomb disposal equipment.

He said the next step would be to manufacture the bee boxes and train security guards in their use.

"It would be great to start saving some lives with this," he said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061128/...ombs_bees_dc_1

Raph's Girl note: Roadside security checks??? What will the bees or wasps do to the people caught with WMD's?? Sting em to death? And how many airports will even allow bomb sniffing bees....urgh...it's an interesting concept but also extremely scary.

Doppleganger · 11-27-2006, 11:10 PM

I'm sorry...what?

Are we stuck in some sort of Cheerios ad? I'd like to believe my tax dollars would be put to some better use then...bomb sniffing bees...

*Katie* · 11-28-2006, 11:09 AM

so, do youhave to get down with a magnifying glass to see the bees give their signal? I don't think I'd wanna be poking around a teeny tiny bee that may or may not be sitting on explosives just to see if her proboscus is out or not.

at least you can see a dog sit down or whatever from a little bit of a distance.

*Drtooth* · 11-28-2006, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raph's Girl

Roadside security checks??? What will the bees or wasps do to the people caught with WMD's?? Sting em to death? And how many airports will even allow bomb sniffing bees....urgh...it's an interesting concept but also extremely scary.

If they are alergic, or very afraid of bees, it may do something. Still, it's nothing more than an above and beyond stupid/pointless idea.

Quote:

I'd like to believe my tax dollars would be put to some better use then...bomb sniffing bees...

Yeah... like a bridge to nowhere, or a $50,000 hammer, or a "gee, how impressive" banquet.

*VaughnMichael* · 11-29-2006, 04:37 AM

umm this is the dumbest idea I've ever heard! wait um whats that oh it's a little bee! Hi little bee AGHH!!!!! BEEEESSS GET THEM OFF!! haha

*Spitfire* · 11-29-2006, 09:15 PM

Who comes up with this crap? It sounds like stuff out of a bad comedy movie. Honestly if you don't have any good ideas then don't even talk.

*VaughnMichael* · 11-29-2006, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spitfire666xXxXx

Who comes up with this crap? It sounds like stuff out of a bad comedy movie. Honestly if you don't have any good ideas then don't even talk.

it's like something out of invader zim or some crap lol hahah

11-27-2006, 10:19 PM	#1
Raph's Girl Dierna Soul, Reporter Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jakku Posts: 10,831	U.S Scientist create bomb sniffing bees.... Scientists at a U.S. weapons laboratory say they have trained bees to sniff out explosives in a project they say could have far-reaching applications for U.S. homeland security and the Iraq war. Researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico said they trained honeybees to stick out their proboscis -- the tube they use to feed on nectar -- when they smell explosives in anything from cars and roadside bombs to belts similar to those used by suicide bombers. Researchers in the program, dubbed the Stealthy Insect Sensor Project, published their findings on Monday. By exposing the insects to the odor of explosives followed by a sugar water reward, researchers said they trained bees to recognize substances ranging from dynamite and C-4 plastic explosives to the Howitzer propellant grains used in improvised explosive devices in Iraq. "When bees detect the presence of explosives, they simply stick their proboscis out," research scientist Tim Haarmann told Reuters in a telephone interview. "You don't have to be an expert in animal behavior to understand it as there is no ambiguity." The findings followed 18 months of research at the U.S. Energy Department's Los Alamos facility, the nation's leading nuclear weapons laboratory. "We are very excited at the success of our research as it could have far-reaching implications for both defense and homeland security," Haarmann said. While scientists have trained wasps to respond to the trace of explosives, Haarmann said research with bees appeared to show more promise. Haarmann said the bees could be carried in hand-held detectors the size of a shoe box, and could be used to sniff out explosives in airports, roadside security checks, or even placed in robot bomb disposal equipment. He said the next step would be to manufacture the bee boxes and train security guards in their use. "It would be great to start saving some lives with this," he said. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061128/...ombs_bees_dc_1 Raph's Girl note: Roadside security checks??? What will the bees or wasps do to the people caught with WMD's?? Sting em to death? And how many airports will even allow bomb sniffing bees....urgh...it's an interesting concept but also extremely scary. __________________

11-27-2006, 11:10 PM	#2
Doppleganger Stone Warrior Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 687	I'm sorry...what? Are we stuck in some sort of Cheerios ad? I'd like to believe my tax dollars would be put to some better use then...bomb sniffing bees... __________________

11-28-2006, 11:09 AM	#3
Katie Just...way too serious. Join Date: May 2005 Location: purgatory Posts: 3,519	so, do youhave to get down with a magnifying glass to see the bees give their signal? I don't think I'd wanna be poking around a teeny tiny bee that may or may not be sitting on explosives just to see if her proboscus is out or not. at least you can see a dog sit down or whatever from a little bit of a distance. __________________ THE WORLD IS JUST AWESOME

11-29-2006, 09:15 PM	#6
Spitfire Writer • Director Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 12,035	Who comes up with this crap? It sounds like stuff out of a bad comedy movie. Honestly if you don't have any good ideas then don't even talk. __________________ Check out my online portfolio http://www.christopherpelletier.com/

11-29-2006, 04:37 AM	#5
VaughnMichael I'm Baaaaaaccck! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 11,833	umm this is the dumbest idea I've ever heard! wait um whats that oh it's a little bee! Hi little bee AGHH!!!!! BEEEESSS GET THEM OFF!! haha