Thirty-three students at the University of Guelph have won the International Genetic Engineering Competition (iGEM) in Boston for creating a sensor that can detect tetracycline antibiotic residues in foods such as milk and honey.
The students created VioSensor because they are concerned about over-use of antibiotics that results in populations of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
They say the next step is to develop similar tests for other antibiotics.
They say they intend to help Canadian farmers.
The competition involved almost 6,000 students from 45 countries.
