OREGON:THE SIAMESE fighting fish is weighing into a new battle - against food-borne bacteria that cause illness in humans.

US scientists are harnessing the colourful fish's natural response to toxins in order to test for potentially harmful bacteria in food. Existing DNA-based or antibody tests for food-poisoning can tell you whether certain bacteria are present, but not whether they are alive and able to cause harm, according to Janine Trempy, professor of microbiology at Oregon State University.

The new test uses pigment-bearing cells from the Siamese fighting fish that dramatically and quickly change appearance in the presence of toxins.