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Science Sphere 🐝 Bee Venom vs. Breast Cancer: A Natural Killer EmergesIn a groundbreaking study, scientists have discovered that honeybee venom—specifically a component called melittin—can rapidly kill aggressive breast cancer cells, including triple-negative and HER2-enriched types.Led by Dr. Ciara Duffy at the Harry Perkins Institute and University of Western Australia, the team tested venom from over 300 bees across Australia, Ireland, and England. They found that melittin, a tiny peptide in bee venom, was able to destroy cancer cell membranes within just 60 minutes, while leaving normal cells mostly unharmed.Even more remarkably, melittin disrupted cancer cell signaling within 20 minutes, blocking growth pathways like HER2 and EGFR, which are key drivers in aggressive breast cancers.Researchers also found that when melittin was combined with chemotherapy drugs, like docetaxel, tumor growth in mice was significantly reduced. While bumblebee venom showed no such effect, honeybee venom consistently targeted and killed cancer cells.Though more research is needed to test delivery methods and safety in humans, this study highlights the immense potential of nature’s compounds in fighting complex diseases like cancer.Follow @science__sphere for regular scientific updates 📄 Published in npj Precision OncologyRESEARCH PAPER:Ciara Duffy et al, "Honeybee venom and melittin suppress growth factor receptor activation in HER2-enriched and triple-negative breast cancer.", npj Precision Oncology (2020)