Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Fungus Foot Baths Could Save Bees
Slashdot It! Slashdot Fungus Foot Baths Could Save Bees
Submit to Reddit Submit Fungus Foot Baths Could Save Bees to Reddit
Reading: Fungus Foot Baths Could Save BeesTwitter This Reading: Fungus Foot Baths Could Save BeesTwitter Fungus Foot Baths Could Save Bees
Add to Facebook Add Fungus Foot Baths Could Save Bees to Facebook

Fungus Foot Baths Could Save Bees

July 29, 2008

One of the biggest world wide threats to honey bees, the varroa mite, could soon be about to meet its nemesis. Researchers at the University of Warwick are examining naturally occurring fungi that kill the varroa mite. They are also exploring a range of ways to deliver the killer fungus throughout the hives from bee fungal foot baths to powder sprays.

It well known that bees world wide are suffering serious declines and one of the causes of that decline is the varroa mite, Varroa destructor. Varroa mites feed on the circulatory fluid of honey bee pupae and adult bees, and in so doing they activate and transmit diseases which reduce the life expectancy of the bees and cause the colony to decline. Varroa has had a major impact in all countries where it has become established, for example it has caused losses of 30-50% of honey bee colonies when it first arrived in the UK and is now endemic. The loss of honey bees on this scale is affecting the pollination of commercial crops and wild plants. It originates in Asia, but has extended its range world-wide.




At present, the management of varroa is based on the use of chemical pesticides, but the mites are developing resistance. Biological control technologies (the use of one organism to control another) could offer a way of moving pest management strategies away from a reliance on these synthetic pesticides but no natural insect or other enemies of varroa species have been identified on the varroa or on their bee hosts.

Now Defra-funded studies by researchers at the University of Warwick's plant research group Warwick HRI, and Rothamsted Research has found some new natural enemies of varroa from other hosts.

University of Warwick researcher Dr Dave Chandler said:

"We examined 50 different types of fungi that afflict other insects (known as entomopathogenic fungi) to see if they would kill varroa. We needed to find fungi that were effective killers of varroa, had a low impact on the bees, and worked in the warm and dry conditions typically found in bee hives. Of the original 50 fungi we are now focusing on four that best match those three requirements."

The team now hope to secure additional funding to further examine the effectiveness of these four fungi and to begin to consider the best ways of applying this weapon across the hive. A number of approaches are being considered including having fungal footbaths at the main entrances to hives. However the complex environment within bee hives means that more devious means of application may be needed.

Dr Chandler will be hosting the Society for Invertebrate Pathology international conference at the University of Warwick, starting 4th August, where a special session is being held on honey bee health. The session will bring together some the world's leading experts in bee colony collapse disorder to discuss the full range of its possible underlying causes.

University of Warwick





Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud
This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
Blood transfusion   Prozac   Glaucoma   Chronic Disease   Brain Tumor   Nanoscale   Obese   Stents   Titan   Flu Virus   Meningitis   Menopause   Condom Use   Video Game   Tumor Suppressor   Shopping   Immunization   Glycemic Index   Ear Infections   Head Neck Cancer   Radiation Therapy   Vitamin B12   Lymph Nodes   life on Mars   Working Memory  
Related Bee Current Events and Bee News Articles Bee Current Events and Bee News RSS Bee Current Events and Bee News RSS
A young brain for an old bee
We are all familiar with the fact that cognitive function declines as we get older. Moreover, recent studies have shown that the specific kind of daily activities we engage in during the course of our lives appears to influence the extent of this decline.

Extreme makeover chemistry style
In revisiting a chemical reaction that's been in the literature for several decades and adding a new wrinkle of their own, researchers with Berkeley Lab and the University of California (UC) Berkeley have discovered a mild and relatively inexpensive procedure for removing oxygen from biomass.

Live-in domestics: Mites as maids in tropical rainforest sweat bee nests
Mites not only inhabit the dust bunnies under the bed, they also occupy the nests of tropical sweat bees where they keep fungi in check.

Wild Bees Can Be Effective Pollinators
Over the past few years, honey bee keepers have experienced problems due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), which has hurt honey bee populations, causing some growers of fruits, nuts and vegetables to wonder how their crops will be pollinated in the future.

Flight of the bumble (and honey) bee
Insects such as honeybees and bumble bees are predictable in the way they move among flowers, typically moving directly from one flower to an adjacent cluster of flowers in the same row of plants.

Climate change affecting Europe's birds now, say researchers
Climate change is already having a detectable impact on birds across Europe, says a Durham University and RSPB-led scientific team publishing their findings to create the world's first indicator of the climate change impacts on wildlife at a continental scale.

The numerate honey bee
The remarkable honey bee can tell the difference between different numbers at a glance. A fresh, astonishing revelation about the 'numeracy' of insects has emerged from new research by an international team of scientists from The Vision Centre, in Australia, published January 28 in the online, open-access, peer-reviewed journal PLoS ONE.

New insight into how bees see
New research from Monash University bee researcher Adrian Dyer could lead to improved artificial intelligence systems and computer programs for facial recognition.

Honeybees succumb to cocaine's allure
Since its discovery in the 18th century, cocaine has been a scourge of western society. Strongly stimulating human reward centres in low doses, cocaine is extremely addictive and can be fatal in high doses.

Social interactions can alter gene expression in the brain, and vice versa
Our DNA determines a lot about who we are and how we play with others, but recent studies of social animals (birds and bees, among others) show that the interaction between genes and behavior is more of a two-way street than most of us realize.
More Bee Current Events and Bee News Articles
Hide-A-Bee Large

Hide-A-Bee Large
by Kyjen

The complete line of Plush Puppies Puzzle Plush Toys will not only keep pets occupied and eliminate boredom, but they also develop a dog's intelligence and puzzle solving skills. Just insert the balls, toys, or rings into the toy for dogs to remove over and over again. The ideal line of toys to challenge and entertain pets.

Bee Movie (Full Screen Edition)

Bee Movie (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton, John Goodman
Directed By: Simon J. Smith, Steve Hickner
Also With: Jerry Seinfeld (Writer), Andy Robin (Writer), Barry Marder (Writer), Chuck Martin (Writer), Spike Feresten (Writer), Tom Papa (Writer)

"Bee Movie" is a comedy that will change everything you think you know about bees. Having just graduated from college, a bee by the name of Barry B. Benson (Jerry Seinfeld) finds himself disillusioned with the prospect of having only one career choice—honey. As he ventures outside of the hive for the first time, he breaks one of the cardinal rules of the bee world and talks to a human, a New York City florist named Vanessa (Renee Zellweger). He is shocked to discover that the humans have been stealing and eating the bee’s honey for centuries. He ultimately realizes that his true calling in life is to set the world right by suing the human race. That is until the ensuing chaos upsets the very balance of nature. It is up to Barry to prove that even a little bee can spell big changes in...

The Secret Life of Bees

The Secret Life of Bees
by Sue Monk Kidd (Author)

Sue Monk Kidd's ravishing debut novel has stolen the hearts of reviewers and readers alike with its strong, assured voice. Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the town's fiercest racists, Lily decides they should both escape to Tiburon, South Carolina--a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. There they are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters who introduce Lily to a mesmerizing world of bees, honey, and the Black Madonna who presides over their household. This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love--a...

Hasbro Playskool Honeybee Hop

Hasbro Playskool Honeybee Hop
by Hasbro

Kids will "bee" happy as they try to dodge the dizzy bee with a hop, skip or a jump. The motorized beehive spins the whimsical bee to the familiar song "Flight of the Bumblebee" and silly sounds, encouraging kids to get active as they play this creative game of keep-away. Kids can flee the bee - or chase after him. The 26" motorized arm spins at two different speeds to help kids develop coordination as they hop, skip and jump their way through this game of laugh-out-loud play. And while kids are focused on having fun, they'll also get to practice taking turns with their playmates. Includes beehive, two connector rods, honeybee and instructions. Requires 3 "C" batteries, not included.

Sterling Silver Bee Bracelet

Sterling Silver Bee Bracelet

Adorable! Intricately detailed bee/bugs are linked together to form a cute Bracelet.

Plush Tot Bunglie Bee 7

Plush Tot Bunglie Bee 7"
by Jellycat

Sophisticated, quirky, irresistible soft toy designs from Jellycat that appeal to ages 1 to 99. Jellycat creations are delightful to give and precious to hold...for a long, long time. 8" Tall

Green Bee 3pk Reusable Shopping Bags W/Pouch

Green Bee 3pk Reusable Shopping Bags W/Pouch

The Green Bee reusable shopping bag w/ pouch is a smart eco alternative to paper & plastic. Each pouch stores 3 bags & is small enough to take everywhere for all your shopping. Carry the pouch in your pocket then clip it to your bag while you shop. Green Bee bags are made with recyclable polyester which is washable lightweight & durable.

Bee Movie (Widescreen Edition)

Bee Movie (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Jerry Seinfeld

"Bee Movie" is a comedy that will change everything you think you know about bees. Having just graduated from college, a bee by the name of Barry B. Benson (Jerry Seinfeld) finds himself disillusioned with the prospect of having only one career choice—honey. As he ventures outside of the hive for the first time, he breaks one of the cardinal rules of the bee world and talks to a human, a New York City florist named Vanessa (Renee Zellweger). He is shocked to discover that the humans have been stealing and eating the bee’s honey for centuries. He ultimately realizes that his true calling in life is to set the world right by suing the human race. That is until the ensuing chaos upsets the very balance of nature. It is up to Barry to prove that even a little bee can spell big changes in...

Little Bee: A Novel

Little Bee: A Novel
by Chris Cleave (Author)

WE DON'T WANT TO TELL YOU TOO MUCH ABOUT THIS BOOK.

It is a truly special story and we don't want to spoil it.

Nevertheless, you need to know something, so we will just say this:

It is extremely funny, but the African beach scene is horrific.

The story starts there, but the book doesn't.

And it's what happens afterward that is most important.

Once you have read it, you'll want to tell everyone about it. When you do, please don't tell them what happens either. The magic is in how it unfolds.

Honey Bee & Beehive Cookie Cutters

Honey Bee & Beehive Cookie Cutters
by Foose Cookie Cutters

USA Handmade Cookie Cutters

© 2009 BrightSurf.com