A study suggests blow flies could be used to detect the use of chemical weapons — as well as other dangerous substances — in areas too dangerous or remote for human investigators.
Recent research has uncovered a surprising new use for blow flies: they could serve as chemical sensors for detecting chemical warfare agents and other dangerous substances in areas too hazardous or remote for human investigators. The study, conducted by researchers from the School of Science at IUPUI, highlights the potential of these insects to aid in forensic investigations and environmental monitoring.
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Blow Flies: A Safer Alternative for Detection
Despite widespread bans, chemical weapons continue to be a threat. They have been deployed in recent conflicts, including the Syrian civil war, and there are fears they may also be used in Ukraine. Traditional methods of detecting these weapons often put human investigators at significant risk. The new research from IUPUI offers an innovative, safer solution by using blow flies to gather data on chemical agents (Environmental Science and Technology, 2022).
How Blow Flies Work as Chemical Sensors
Blow flies are naturally adept at sampling their surroundings. According to Christine Picard, associate professor of biology and director of the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program at IUPUI, blow flies fly through the environment and “taste” it. This process allows them to absorb and store environmental chemicals in their guts. Through careful analysis of these flies, researchers can gain valuable insights into the presence of chemical warfare agents in the area.
“Blow flies are ubiquitous, and they are very adept at sampling the environment around us,” said Picard. “They will fly through the environment, taste it, and that information will be stored in their guts. Through a series of experiments, we looked at how different environmental factors would impact their detection of chemical weapon simulants.”
Detecting Chemical Agents in Fly Guts
The research team, including Professor Nicholas Manicke, used a mass spectrometer to analyze the contents of the flies’ guts. They were able to detect both chemical warfare agent simulants and some of the byproducts formed when these agents degrade in the environment. Remarkably, they could still detect these simulants up to 14 days after the flies’ initial exposure, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach as a safer alternative for gathering chemical samples without risking human lives.
“If a fly were to come across a water source with a chemical agent hydrolyzed in the water, we would find that in the fly,” said Manicke. “We can scan through big areas by drawing the flies into a trap and analyzing what is in their guts.”
This innovative method could be particularly beneficial when areas are too dangerous, remote, or access-restricted or where covert sampling is required. All that is needed is to place bait to attract the flies, which will then provide the necessary environmental data once analyzed.
Applications Beyond Chemical Warfare Agents
The findings of this research have broader implications beyond warfare. Sarah Dowling, a Ph.D. student and co-author of the study, highlighted the potential for this method to be used in tracking environmental pollutants like pesticides. By understanding how these chemicals move through the environment, researchers can gain insights into their impact on ecosystems and human health.
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“It is fulfilling to know that the work we did throughout this project could improve the safety of warfighters and others who deal with environmental chemicals,” said Dowling.
Future Research: Insensitive Munitions Detection
Following their successful study on chemical warfare agents, the research team plans to expand their work to a new two-year project funded by the Army Research Office on Environmental Chemistry. This research will focus on detecting molecules from insensitive munitions—a new class of explosives that are designed to be less prone to accidental detonation, but tend to persist more in the environment.
By analyzing blow flies from remote or dangerous areas, Manicke and Picard aim to identify traces of these compounds, offering a novel way to monitor environmental contamination from military activities.
Conclusion: An Innovative Use of Nature for Safety
This research showcases the fascinating potential of blow flies as chemical sensors for detecting hazardous agents. Researchers can collect crucial data from high-risk areas by employing these insects without endangering human lives. As chemical warfare and environmental pollution remain pressing issues, innovative solutions like these are crucial for advancing both forensic science and environmental monitoring.
The work of Picard, Manicke, and Dowling represents a significant step toward making chemical detection safer and more efficient. It also underscores the power of collaboration between biology and chemistry in solving some of our most complex challenges.
Share your thoughts: What other innovative ways could insects be used to help in forensic or environmental investigations? Join the discussion in the comments below.
