Researchers have developed a way of killing the HIV virus using bee venom.

They used encapsulated melittin, a substance derived from the venom, in nanoparticles to prevent it from damaging human cells. The HIV virus, which is smaller than human cells, is exposed to the venom.

The researchers tested both free melittin, melittin in nanoparticles and empty nanoparticles in trials with vaginal cells.

They envision using melittin as a vaginal gel to prevent HIV infection, though it could have further uses.