Can Honeybees Detect Lung Cancer?

Research Shows How Honeybees Detect Lung Cancer

A team of researchers at Michigan State University recently studied if honeybee’s olfactory neuronal circuitry could detect lung cancer. Unlike humans, honeybees can detect odors in small concentrates, such as gas sensors in exhaled breaths. When humans breathe, exhaled breath contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can easily be tested for early disease detection. Using this knowledge, researchers wondered if honeybees could detect lung cancer biomarkers at different levels of concentrations and mixtures. For those at high risk of developing lung cancer, this could potentially create a non-invasive rapid screening option.

During the trial, bees used certain mixtures of VOCs as biomarkers to identify small cell lung cancer (SCLC) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at an 88% accuracy rate. Once honeybees successfully differentiated SCLC from NSCLC, researchers combined six particular lung cancer biomarkers to create artificial lung cancer cells. Honeybees successfully distinguished artificial lung cancer cells and artificial healthy cells at a success rate of 98-100%. Learn more about the study and how honeybees may be the answer to detecting lung cancer in a rapid, noninvasive way, resulting in better treatment outcomes.

The Role of Biomarkers in a Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Honeybees have a remarkable olfactory system that allows them to detect and process a wide range of odors more accurately than we can. Researchers used their sensitivity to odors to train honeybees to detect lung cancer cells from healthy cells. Their antennas hold sensory structures, known as sensilla, where their olfactory receptor neurons are housed. Airborne odor molecules, such as your exhaled breath, enter the sensilla and attach to receptor proteins on the surface of olfactory neurons.

Their receptors send electrical signals based on the odors to initiate the appropriate action and response. In this study, researchers trained honeybees to identify specific volatile organic compounds often found in the exhaled air of those suffering from lung cancer. They created mixtures of six different lung cancer VOCs to test if honeybees could detect lung cancer through the difference between artificial healthy cells, artificial lung cancer cells, non-small cell lung cancer, and small cell lung cancer.

Biomimicry and Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma

Biomimicry uses nature’s adaptability to develop innovative products, materials, and, in the case of this study, medical advancements. Researchers showed biomimicry by studying how bees detect odors in nature to create a new way to detect lung cancer. The team replicated biological sensors to test honeybees’ ability to detect VOCs associated with lung cancer. These VOCs include aldehydes, ketones, and hydrocarbons.

Cancer Breathe Changes Bee’s Brains

Based on the VOCs entering the bee’s antenna, their brain responds with distinct neuronal activity patterns. Researchers learned from the difference in patterns that honeybees could distinguish between artificial healthy samples and artificial lung cancer samples. They also tested to see if there would be a difference in neuronal activity when exposed to non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.

Honeybees showed that their olfactory system could efficiently and accurately distinguish and detect lung cancer cells and types. Their results demonstrated significant advancements toward a non-invasive, speedy, and reliable method of early lung cancer detection. Their ability to detect low traces of VOCs in exhaled breath aids in discovering lung cancer in its earlier stages. This promising rapid screening tool may impact many with earlier detection and better treatment outcomes.

Volatile Organic Compounds in Human Breathe

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that release gases and vapors into the atmosphere. Certain VOCs have been identified as lung cancer biomarkers as they show signs of metabolic changes and breakdown of cellular components. In this study, researchers used honeybees’ ability to detect lung cancer cells through traces of VOCs at parts per trillion and parts per billion. The particular VOCs were indicators of metabolic changes associated with lung cancer. For those at high risk of developing or experiencing symptoms of lung cancer, honeybees’ outstanding ability to detect VOCs is promising for the development of more rapid and reliable diagnostic tools in the future.

How Honeybees Can Help Treat Lung Cancer

Despite being in its early stages, honeybees show a promising future for early detection and screenings. Researchers continue to study how to consistently detect lung cancer VOCs as the composition varies by individual. Considering these advancements, anyone experiencing symptoms of lung cancer must take proactive steps such as early screenings.

Early detection can greatly impact your treatment options and prognosis. If you or a loved one think you may be at risk of lung cancer, we have resources available. Don’t hesitate to reach out as we are here to assist you in finding early screening centers and answer any questions. The Lung Cancer Center has the most up-to-date and relevant information covering lung cancer, early detection, and treatment options.