Honey bees gather at the entrance to a hive (© KeystoneUSA-ZUMA/Rex Features)

Bees may have the power to destroy HIV

3/8/2013

Talk about killer bees. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered that nanoparticles carrying melittin, a potent toxin found in bee venom, can destroy HIV without harming any of the surrounding cells. The melittin works by "[poking] holes in the protective envelope that surrounds HIV and other viruses." The scientists hope that these findings could be used to develop a vaginal gel that could be used to prevent HIV from spreading during intercourse or would allow couples with an HIV-positive partner to safely conceive a child.  "We are attacking an inherent physical property of HIV," Dr. Joshua L. Hood said. "Theoretically, there isn’t any way for the virus to adapt to that." [Source]

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