IRB Bee Venom Cancer Research Study
One of our most exciting and largest projects we have ever dreamed about undertaking is in the works. Recently in Australia it was discovered that bee venom can rapidly kill cancer cells. This is an incredibly important discovery and we have decided to start fundraising to mirror that study here in Puerto Rico.
|
They found honeybee venom rapidly destroyed triple-negative and HER2-enriched breast cancer cells; the former of which is notoriously difficult to treat. Honeybee venom contains a compound called melittin, which “destroyed cancer cell membranes within 60 minutes” by interfering with pathways the malignant tissue uses to replicate. A specific concentration of the venom led to 100% cancer cell death, while having “minimal effects” on healthy tissue, according to the scientists. “This is an incredibly exciting observation that melittin, a major component of honeybee venom, can suppress the growth of deadly breast cancer cells, particularly triple-negative breast cancer,” said lead author Dr Ciara Duffy. “Significantly, this study demonstrates how melittin interferes with signalling pathways within breast cancer cells to reduce cell replication. |
A Team Effort
Our resident Bee Biologist will be leading the foray into organizing a team, and connecting with the relevant organizations in Puerto Rico. This will most likely be a minimum three year project but the implications and possibilities if we are able to achieve this are incredible.
GC / MS Machine Donation
We have recently received an incredibly generous donation of a Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry machine that will allow us to analyze bee venom, honey, pesticides and more.
This is a possibly life changing study that we are absolutely thrilled to be involved in. Please consider donating today to help us change the world!