I Thought You All Should Know

The latest weapon against terrorism: llamas
By Julie Kirkwood , Staff WriterEagle-Tribune

We've discussed the many talents of the humble llama before in this column. Llamas can learn to caddy golf clubs and compete in jumping contests. Their fur can be spun into yarn, and about two years ago scientists came up with a way to use a llama's immune system for dandruff control.

Now another team of scientists is proposing a use for llamas, and it's even more important than preventing white flakes from drifting onto our shoulders. They want to use llamas to warn us of bioterrorism attacks.I know what you're thinking: How is a champion jumping llama going to protect me from some crazy terrorist running around with anthrax? Llamas don't even have claws.The secret is in their blood.

Llamas have unusually durable antibodies, the proteins that float around and recognize viruses and bacteria. The scientists made llama antibodies that specifically match and stick to bioterrorist weapons, such as ricin and cholera. These itty bitty antibodies could be packed into biosensors and used to alert us at the first signs of a bioterrorist attack, the scientists write in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

The llama doesn't even need to be there. Now that's talent.