AI-rewritten: This is a summary of an article from Ars Technica, rewritten by AI (Qwen, running locally) to make it easier to read. The facts come from the original article – read it for the full story.

---

Scientists have discovered that honey bee stingers can pump venom continuously even after the bee detaches from its victim. This process relies on a unique double-piston mechanism involving three interlocking parts: a stylet that forms the main chamber and two sharp lancets that slide back and forth. While other insects like spiders use muscles to eject venom, bees utilize these stiff elements to create pressure. The specific motion of this pumping action had never been directly observed until now.

Researchers filmed live worker bees using high-speed videography after removing their stingers and inserting them into artificial gel. Their analysis revealed that valves attached to each lancet change shape during the movement. On the downstroke, these valves inflate like parachutes to create a seal, applying downward pressure to push venom out. On the upstroke, they deflate, and when they meet in the middle, they deform again to pass one another. Co-author Fiorella Ramirez-Esquivel of Macquarie University explained that this double-piston design allows for continuous flow while minimizing backflow.

To verify these findings, the team created a 3D-printed model based on micro-CT scans and filmed its pumping motion, which matched the biological stinger’s behavior. Future studies may examine material properties and capillary action to improve artificial pumps inspired by this natural design.