A new study finds that viral presence in wild bees is linked to floral communities and landscape-level resource availability. Researchers discovered that certain flower communities increase the likelihood of viruses and that flowers can serve as hubs for virus transmission between wild bees and honey bees.
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers analyzed solitary mason bee gut metagenomes to understand how urban environments shape diet, microbiome stability, pathogen exposure, and antibiotic resistance. The study found that bees' gut ecosystems containing both bacteria and viruses are more resilient than bacteria-only communities.
A team of biologists discovered a genetic factor that determines the begging behaviour of drones in bees, allowing them to obtain essential proteins from worker bees. The 'fruitless' or 'Fru' protein regulates this complex social behaviour and influences a neural network of around 1,800 neurons.
Researchers found thousands of hutia fossils in a Caribbean cave, including nests made from compacted soil and coated with a waxy substance. The discovery provides evidence of the presence of bees in the area thousands of years ago, challenging initial findings on wasp nests.
A study analyzed 679 honey samples from Italy and found that 98% contained at least one bee pathogen. This analysis may provide clues to bees' health, highlighting the need for further research on bee health.
A new study in Botswana explores the effectiveness of bee-sound barriers in deterring elephants from raiding crops. While results show a positive reaction from some elephants, differences in response rates between Botswana and other countries suggest context-specific factors are at play.
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A monitoring system devised by the University of Córdoba uses AI algorithms to predict flowering stages with high precision. This allows beekeepers to optimize their harvesting times and reduce losses, as well as track health issues and other potential problems without visiting the apiary.
In a study by Michelle Miner at UC Riverside, bumble bees were found to avoid foraging near ant colonies due to the risk of being bitten. However, aggressive bees who fought back were victorious in individual fights but may ultimately harm their colony by wasting energy.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have shown that bumblebees can be trained to differentiate between long and short light flashes, which was previously observed only in humans and other vertebrates. This ability allows the bees to decide where to forage for food based on visual cues.
A new native bee species named Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer has been discovered in the Bremer Range region of Western Australia. The striking bee was found visiting both an endangered wildflower and a nearby mallee tree, and its discovery highlights the importance of understanding native bees before their habitats are disturbed.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A team of researchers has identified a common sex-determining gene called ANTSR in both bees and ants, revealing a conserved mechanism that has been present for over 150 million years. This finding sheds light on the genetic basis of sex determination in these species and may have implications for bee conservation and breeding programs.
Researchers found that common viral infections shrink a queen's ovaries, reducing egg-laying capacity and methyl oleate production. This reduction triggers worker bees to prepare a new queen, which can lead to colony instability and economic losses for beekeepers.
A study found that honey bees collect similar pollen diversity regardless of surrounding agricultural land use, but with low pesticide levels. The results suggest that bees may thrive in intensively farmed landscapes by flying greater distances to find food.
A new study found that fire can have varying impacts on global bee populations, with some species thriving in post-fire conditions and others declining or disappearing. The review highlights the need for tailored fire management strategies to support biodiversity, particularly in Australia's unique ecosystems.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Insect pollinators like bees and butterflies require more natural habitat with diverse flora to thrive, according to a new study analyzing over 178,000 individual pollinators from 19 countries. The research found minimum habitat requirements vary between species, ranging from 6% for hoverflies to 37% for butterflies.
A recent study found that genetic variants associated with social behavior in honey bees are also linked to social behavior in humans. Researchers used genome sequencing, brain gene expression analysis, and behavioral observations to investigate the genetic mechanisms underpinning variation in social behavior in western honey bees.
A study found that ants can scare away pollinators like bees when defending plants with extrafloral nectaries, which are secretions that attract ants but not pollinators. However, plants with these glands on other locations had increased reproductive success.
A study by the University of Kansas found that cellophane bees are specially equipped to handle cold temperatures and can recover from 'chill coma' twice as quickly as honeybees. These solitary bees are vital pollinators in early spring ecosystems, but their limited lifespan makes them harder to commercialize.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Honeybees use various strategies to build hives that accommodate different space constraints, including merging cells, tilting borders and layering combs. Researchers observed these adaptations using X-ray microscopy and found that the bees' behavior is intuitive and physics-based.
A long-term field study found that wild bumble bees strategically target flowers to balance their diet, adjusting their consumption of protein, fat, and carbs based on tongue length and seasonal flower availability. This nuanced approach allows them to thrive together and maintain strong colonies.
Researchers developed a sustainable solution to help tackle honeybee decline by creating an engineered food supplement. The new feed, designed to provide essential compounds found in plant pollen, significantly enhances colony reproduction.
A large census of dikes in the Netherlands revealed that more bee species live on dikes than previously thought, with 154 different species found. The researchers found that flower-rich dikes attract many more bees, especially endangered species, due to the variety of plants and nesting sites.
Research reveals that high temperatures and exposure to heavy metals reduce the frequency and pitch of non-flight wing vibrations in bees. This affects their communication, defense, and buzz-pollination abilities, which are crucial for plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A new study found that honey bees extract nearly 80% of available pollen in a day, leaving little for native bee species. This exploitation could lead to population declines and disruption of ecosystem balance.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and UK identified a set of flower mixtures that attract both pollinators and delight the human eye. The study found that seed mixes containing species like yarrow, cornflower, and purple viper's bugloss establish themselves better in soil and bloom for longer.
Researchers Dr. Liam Duffy and Dr. Kaira Wagoner have received new R&D grants from NCInnovation to develop groundbreaking instruments and tools, including a quadropole mass Starkometer for analyzing isomers and a pheromone-based tool for measuring honey bee colony mite resistance.
A study found that droughts can decrease nectar calories in zucchini flowers by up to 95%, harming pollinators and plants. Increased rainfall can positively affect nectar calorie production, but heavy rainfall events can have devastating consequences for ecosystems.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers have discovered that Australian native bee honey exhibits remarkable antimicrobial properties, effective even after heat treatment and long-term storage. This unique feature makes it a promising alternative to synthetic antibiotics, with the potential to complement or replace them in therapeutic frameworks.
Researchers at Penn State uncovered the molecular mechanisms controlling how genes inherited from the father and mother determine a honey bee larva's fate. They found that patrigenes were expressed at higher levels in queen-destined larvae, while matrigenes were expressed at higher levels in worker-destined larvae.
A study by UC Riverside reveals that bumble bee queens pause egg-laying after a burst of activity, likely in response to cues from their developing brood, and typically resume production within 1.5 days when pupae are present.
Researchers analyzed video clips of bumblebee visits to lousewort flowers, revealing a unique
A study by Curtin University reveals that high densities of European honey bees harm Australian native bees' 'fitness' through reduced reproductive success and altered key traits. In areas with higher honey bee densities, native bees produce fewer female offspring and have higher mortality rates.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Native bee species play diverse roles in Australian ecosystems, from pollination services to hosting parasitoids and parasites. Dr. Prendergast's research emphasizes the importance of conserving these unique species and provides guidance on how individuals can support their protection.
A new report identifies emerging threats to pollinators, including war zones, microplastic particles, and light pollution. The top 12 threats are outlined, along with steps to protect pollinators, such as transitioning to electric vehicles and creating flower-rich habitats within solar parks.
A team of Australian researchers has discovered 71 new native bee species belonging to the resin pot bees, expanding our knowledge of these unique insects. The discovery brings the total number of known resin pot bee species to 78, with many still unknown to science due to funding constraints.
A study by University of Würzburg researchers found that a balanced diet with diverse pollen is crucial for honeybee survival during winter. The team discovered that areas with high agricultural use provide bees with higher pollen diversity in autumn, while near-natural areas have greater pollen diversity in summer.
Bees are severely affected by heat and land use, with populations in forests coping better than urban relatives, which saw a 65% decline.
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
A new study finds that incorporating bird observation data with land cover information provides more accurate predictions of wild bee species richness. This approach can help guide conservation efforts for wild bees, which are experiencing widespread population declines.
A new study analyzing over 175 scientific reviews found that agricultural intensification is a major driver of insect decline, but climate change has multiple individual drivers such as extreme precipitation and temperature. The research highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to conserve insect biodiversity.
A study by the University of Konstanz found that individual bees within a colony exhibit different stinging behaviors, with some defending and others remaining calm. Social factors play a role, but personality is a key factor in determining group dynamics.
Researchers found that common urban pollinator plants like white clover and bindweed accumulate toxic metals from contaminated soils, posing a risk to bee health. To mitigate this, scientists recommend testing soil for metals before planting wildflowers and choosing plant species suitable for the local conditions.
Scientists developed a nutritionally complete feed to sustain honey bee colonies, containing all necessary nutrients. The new food source thrived in field trials, reducing colony mortality and increasing survival rates.
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Bumblebees closer to honeybee hives are more likely to attract voracious wax moths, resulting in lower reproductive output and weaker immune response. Conservationists and beekeepers should avoid placing apiaries in areas with high pollinator biodiversity or declining bumblebee populations.
Researchers found the UBeeO test can identify colonies resistant to several pests and pathogens that can decimate bee populations. The test mimics the pheromones emitted by sick or dying bees, allowing for a more selective and realistic assessment of hygienic behavior in honey bees.
Researchers found that flower constancy is an optimal strategy balancing cognitive and travel costs, not just a memory constraint. Bees decrease constancy when flowers have similar colors or are clustered, but maintain high constancy in mixed environments.
Utah State University ecologists Joseph Wilson and Anthony Hunsaker published a checklist of the state's bee species, documenting 1,167 species and estimating up to 1,500 in total. The study highlights Utah's high bee diversity and provides valuable information for conservation efforts.
Research suggests that flowering plants' tendency to reward pollinators with nectar is heritable and influenced by flower size and sugar content. Bees prefer honest flower genotypes, benefiting the plant through increased seed production.
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Research by Kobe University reveals that restoring abandoned grasslands requires at least 75 years of continuous management to regain plant diversity. Pollinators also take time to adapt, with generalist insects like flies and hoverflies dominating recently restored sites.
A new study using landscape transcriptomics identifies genetic signatures of stressors in bumble bees, suggesting this approach could accelerate conservation efforts for at-risk species. The method accurately identified stressors such as heat and cold, even in wild bees, with high accuracy rates.
A study published in Ecological Applications found that a diversity of corolla sizes in urban flower communities positively impacts wild bee biodiversity. Researchers from Concordia University collected data from 16 sites around Montreal and identified 94 different species of bees and almost 150 different species of flowers.
A study found that low doses of pesticide imidacloprid can improve the survival of bumble bee queens in diapause, but this effect comes at a cost to their long-term fitness. Researchers are calling for further study on these hormetic responses to better understand their impact.
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
A study of Asian hornets found over 1,400 different species in their guts, including a wide range of bees, wasps, and insects. The diet varied strongly over the seasons and between regions, showing that they are highly flexible predators.
A new consensus report on anaphylaxis has been released, providing updated clinical criteria and guidelines for diagnosing and treating the condition. The report includes distinct infant findings to improve management in young children, addressing a significant burden on patients and caregivers worldwide.
A new sensor-based technology allows for early warnings of hive temperature fluctuations, enabling beekeepers to take preventive action. The system has proven its effectiveness in detecting conditions requiring intervention, and further development is underway to create automated climate controls.
Researchers found that individual honeybee dance styles, rather than consistency, contribute to successful food foraging. Bees with diverse communication methods were more likely to recruit others who successfully found food.
Research found that native bee populations decreased in abundance and diversity when managed honey bees were introduced, but rebounded when apiaries were removed. Native bee phylogenetic diversity increased in areas with managed honey bees due to lower competition for resources.
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A recent study reveals that smaller arable fields and organic farming are crucial for maintaining high pollinator diversity in calcareous grasslands. The research team found that these factors significantly increase the abundance of flowers, nesting sites, and various wild insect species, particularly endangered ones.
Researchers from the University of Liège successfully used frozen semen to produce female bees, offering a new avenue for bee conservation and agriculture. The simple, antibiotic-free protocol allows for the preservation of valuable genetic lines and supports breeding programmes.
Researchers found that more than a third of beekeepers deviate from recommended treatment guidelines, leading to exacerbated colony losses. Adhering to specific timeframes for treatments can significantly reduce honey bee mortality caused by the parasitic Varroa mite.
Researchers are investigating the impact of virus infections on honeybee health, including flight performance and heat shock stress response. The team is also exploring potential supplements to boost immune strength and reduce virus infections in honeybees.