Scientists have recruited bugs to kill other insects and micro-organisms which infest art and cultural treasures, boosting conservation efforts in hot climates. Biotechnology can unleash a bacillus to "explode the guts" of beetles which damage paintings, frescos, tapestries and sculptures, a gathering of scientists and curators in Venezuela were told. Certain bugs, once harnessed, are cheap and effective defences against humidity and insects, said Jose-Luis Ramirez, director of the U.N. University's programme for biotechnology for Latin America and the Caribbean. Scientists from Europe and Latin America will give biotechnology tips to curators at the 4th Cultural Heritage Conservation Forum in Venezuela's capital, Caracas. They say micro-organisms are cheaper, safer and effective alternatives to chemicals. Biotechnology uses living organisms to mould products or processes to a specific use. Genetically modified food and some medical techniques have raised suspicion, but its use in heritage conservation has proved less controversial. One of the conference stars is Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium which forms toxin crystals harmless to humans but deadly to insects. When ingested, the toxin forms a pore in the insect's gut which results in swelling. "Eventually it makes their guts explode," said Mr. Ramirez. The problem is delivering the bacterium to insects burrowed deep into artworks. "We are still experimenting with how to get it into wood carvings," said the scientist. Cultural treasures made of organic materials such as paper, canvas, wood and leather are especially prone to decay in warm and tropical countries because of insects, fungus and bacteria. — © Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2009
The Hindu, 10th February 2009
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