Sámi, Kven, and Forest Finns seek redress
When it comes to creepy crawlies, opinions are usually divided. Some people find them fascinating, while others find them unpleasant or even scary. In the case of some insects, a bit of apprehension is justified–they have been known to cause allergic reactions, which in some cases can be severe. However, there is an increasing body of evidence that suggests various insects may be used to benefit human health.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.
Humans have farmed silkworms for centuries because they are a great source of, you guessed it, silk! In Thailand, for example, their cocoons are used to make luxurious fabrics and clothing.
More recently, however, scientists have turned their attention to silkworms for another reason: it is thought that silk fibroin, a protein extracted from silk fiber, could be used as a drug carrier for medicines.
This is not the first time that scientists have looked to insects for medical solutions. In fact, they are a rich resource when it comes to treating various conditions that affect humans.
The common green bottle fly is found in most countries of the world. What many don't know is that its larvae have antibacterial properties.
In fact, the larvae of common green bottle flies have been used for the purpose of wound healing in traditional medicine for centuries.
According to recent studies, the antibacterial properties of so-called 'medical maggots' mean that they can accelerate wound healing and disinfection.
The Spanish fly is an emerald green blister beetle that can be found across Europe and Asia. It secretes an important substance called cantharidin.
Cantharadin is, on its own, poisonous. However, it is the active ingredient in YCANTH, a topical treatment used to fight the viral skin infection molluscum contagiosum.
As well as being used for this purpose, in Asian medicine cantharadin is also currently being explored as a possible cancer treatment.
These tiny, soft-bodied insects can be found living on prickly pear cacti in South America and the southwest United States.
Cochineal insects produce a substance called carminic acid, which experts believe may provide protection against fructose-induced kidney injury.
Female cochineal insects are also used to create carmine, a red pigment that is used as a dye for foods and pharmaceutical products.
Looking at the anatomy of fruit flies has greatly helped scientists further their understanding of innate immunity in humans.
Indeed, the discovery of the toll gene, which is crucial for the production of an antimicrobial response in fruit flies, informed important subsequent research into innate immunity in mammals.
Fruit flies, which have a very short lifespan and are therefore useful for tracking multi-generational development, have also been used in other medical research, such as research that looks at cancer.
This species of wasps, which is particularly prevalent in the region of São Paulo, Brazil (hence the name), is being looked at in the context of cancer treatment.
In 2015, it was found to produce a venom that contains a toxin that kills cancer cells without simultaneously harming normal, healthy ones.
More research is needed, however, before scientists are able to determine whether the venom would make a viable treatment. Indeed, the wasp also produces a variety of other toxins that can cause severe allergic reactions.
Humans have been using honey as a traditional wound treatment for centuries. In fact, its therapeutic potential was discovered as early as 2000 BCE.
In 2007, Manuka honey, which is made from plants indigenous to New Zealand and Australia, was approved by the FDA as a wound treatment.
In general, however, the honey used specifically for medical purposes tends to be sterilized and more effective than grocery store honey.
Researchers at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology have created a titanium surface that is designed to destroy fungus. Their inspiration? Dragonfly wings.
According to their research, the structure of dragonfly wings, and in fact other insect wings, is such that it can physically rupture microbes.
This important discovery may inform medical researchers in their mission to reduce hospital-acquired infections.
Last but not least we have the humble cockroach, which scientists believe may be able to provide a new non-dairy milk alternative.
As far as researchers are aware, there is only one species of cockroach that is able to produce milk–the pacific beetle cockroach.
According to some experts, cockroach milk could be the next superfood: it is high in nutrients and its calories are time released.
Sources: (CNN)
How insects can boost your health
The creepy crawlies that may have medical applications
LIFESTYLE Medicine
When it comes to creepy crawlies, opinions are usually divided. Some people find them fascinating, while others find them unpleasant or even scary. In the case of some insects, a bit of apprehension is justified–they have been known to cause allergic reactions, which in some cases can be severe. However, there is an increasing body of evidence that suggests various insects may be used to benefit human health.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.