Scientists from Cardiff University have harnessed the power of brewer’s yeast found in the gut microbiome of killer honeybees in Namibia to create a one-of-a-kind craft beer. This innovative project, led by Cardiff University’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, is part of the broader Pharmabees initiative aimed at exploring the potential of bee products in drug development.
The collaboration between Cardiff University and the University of Namibia focuses on sustainable environmental development. During a visit to Namibia, Cardiff microbiologists became intrigued by the Africanized honey bee, commonly known as the killer bee. This curiosity led to the isolation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a type of brewer’s yeast, from the gut microbiome of naturally deceased killer bees.
Professor Les Baillie, a leading microbiologist at Cardiff University, explained, “We isolated the brewer’s yeast from killer bees in Namibia and combined it with yeast from Welsh honey bees to produce several batches of beer upon our return to Cardiff.”
This unique beer development is part of a larger effort to support the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ research into superbugs and antibiotic resistance. The project has strategically placed numerous beehives and specific plants around Cardiff University to encourage the production of super-honey, which is vital for their ongoing research.
The resulting product, aptly named Killer Bee Beer, merges scientific research with craft brewing to create something truly special. The scientists are currently seeking a brewing partner to bring Killer Bee Beer to market, with proceeds dedicated to supporting bee research in Wales.
Professor Baillie emphasized the broader impact of this project, stating, “Using brewer’s yeast from naturally deceased bees allows us to produce a beer that not only funds important research but also enhances our understanding of bees at a microbiological level.”
The Killer Bee Beer serves as a fascinating side project to the wider Pharmabees studies, which investigate how honey, beeswax, and other bee byproducts can address significant global challenges, including antibiotic resistance and superbugs.
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