KU Leuven genetically modifies fleas to detect water pollution
KU Leuven Kortrijk is genetically modifying water fleas to detect dangerous pollutants in water sources by emitting fluorescent lights
Fleas on show in exhibition
According to professor Ellen Decaestecker of the Aquatic Biology research group, the flea Daphnia magna (pictured) filters substances in the water. “That can be parasites or algae but also a broad scale of polluting substances, like heavy metals, hormone-disrupting substances and nanomaterials,” she explained. “Because of its high sensitivity, Daphnia magna is an excellent sensor.”
Researchers are now developing numerous kinds of water fleas, which will all light up in a different way. The genes of water fleas, which activate a protein if they detect the presence of a toxic substance, will be identified and proteins manipulated to emit a different kinds of fluorescent light.
Any following clean-up will still have to be done by humans. “I sometimes get the question if the fleas can also remove the polluting substances, but these are genetically modified organisms that we cannot just set free in nature,” said Decaestecker.
The fluorescent water fleas can be examined in the Green Light District exhibition at the Budafabriek in Kortrijk until 8 February.
