Articles tagged with Bees
A new study found that almond, cherry, and meadowfoam provide ample pollen to honeybees, while highbush blueberry and hybrid carrot seed crops may not. Pollen diversity is crucial for colony growth and survival of the western honeybee.
A research group at University of Würzburg is focusing on the role of bacteria in bee health, finding that environmental factors have a stronger influence on solitary bees than previously thought. The study highlights the need for further research to combat bee mortality.
Research in forager honeybees suggests that changes in a vibration-sensitive neuron enhance waggle dance communication. The older bees demonstrate more precise connections to other brain regions and better signaling, allowing them to effectively convey information through the waggle dance.
Researchers found that 36% of squash bees are chronically exposed to lethal doses of clothianidin in soil, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 5%. This risk is applicable to many other wild bee species in Canada, highlighting the need for new approaches to protect pollinators and crops simultaneously.
Researchers have developed a method to trace industrial metals in the environment using honey and salmon. By analyzing lead isotopes in honey and Pacific salmon, scientists can identify sources of pollutants like lead and cadmium. The technique has been proven effective in Metro Vancouver and is being applied to other cities.
Researchers use 'Reverse Metagenomics' method to identify preferred wildflowers for bees, providing valuable insights into pollinator behavior and habitat conservation. This technique can be applied to various studies, including diet analysis and airborne allergenic pollen identification.
Recent studies reveal that pesticide adjuvants, commonly added to plant protection products, can be toxic to honey bees. Adjuvants increase mortality rates, reduce colony size, and impair brooding when co-applied with neonicotinoids, highlighting the need for environmental safety assessments.
A study by University of Würzburg scientists found that climate change accelerates the flowering of pasque flowers, outpacing the emergence of solitary bees, which rely on these plants for food. This disruption can lead to reduced seed production and reproductive success in plants, while negatively affecting bee populations.
A study by Zoological Society of London reveals 55 UK animal species have been displaced due to climate change, with invertebrates most affected. The research highlights the need for a centralized platform to track and mitigate the impacts of climate-driven species movement.
Researchers developed a new method to monitor neonicotinoids in living plants, allowing for spatial and temporal tracking of the insecticides. This probe could help pinpoint where and when bees are exposed to pesticides, informing efforts to protect pollinator populations.
A study by researchers from the University of Exeter and Berkeley found that crowding honeybees together does not greatly increase disease prevalence. However, intensive beekeeping could accelerate the spread of new diseases. Beekeepers don't need to worry about the number of bees they keep together as long as there is enough food.
A clinical trial at Flinders University and Royal Adelaide Hospital included 27 adults with a history of allergic reactions to European honeybee stings. The vaccine used an adjuvant developed in Australia to neutralize bee venom, showing promising results and confirming safety.
Entomologists call for immediate science-based actions to mitigate insect decline worldwide. Insect diversity and ecosystem services require targeted legislation and public awareness.
Research conducted by the CNRS found that organic farming boosts honeybee colonies with 37% more brood, 20% more adult bees, and 53% greater honey production. This may be due to a wider diversity of pollen resources or lower pesticide mortality.
Researchers at the University of Vermont discovered that viruses from domestic honeybees are spilling over to nearby wild bumblebee populations, primarily through shared flowers. The findings suggest that careful monitoring and treating of diseased honeybee colonies could protect wild bees from these viruses.
The B-GOOD project aims to create a EU-wide management and health data platform to assist sustainable beekeeping. The platform will utilize real-time data from six different monitoring tools to provide comprehensive analysis and advice for beekeepers.
The study highlights the importance of native southeastern blueberry bees in pollinating rabbiteye blueberries, increasing fruit set from 10-30% to 70% or more. Providing habitat for these bees on the edges of fields can support their population and improve pollination.
A study by the University of Exeter found that Varroa destructor mites indirectly increase infection rates among wild bumblebees by spreading deformed wing virus (DWV) through honeybee colonies. This highlights the need for beekeepers to treat their affected colonies.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that US honey bees in urban settings collect a diverse range of pollen sources, with the most diverse in California and the least in Texas. The researchers tracked pollen collection across four states over two seasons, identifying key plant groups that provide consistent pollen year-round.
Burt's Bees presents clinical research demonstrating the protective abilities of botanical antioxidants, improving barrier function, and modulating sebum and the skin microbiome. The studies highlight the role of nature-based regimens in reducing oxidative damage, decreasing skin sensitivity, and promoting overall skin health.
A global survey of 25,363 beekeepers found that honey bee colonies declined by 16%, with higher losses in some regions. Beekeepers who moved their colonies to access other forage or pollination faced fewer losses than those who kept them in the same place.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found a negative combination between neonicotinoid insecticides and the Varroa mite, weakening honeybee colonies. The researchers observed a synergistic effect on body mass and survival rates, particularly in winter bees, compromising colony survivorship.
Researchers found that a nonlethal dose of insecticide curtailed the lives of bees by up to 50% and altered the behavior of worker bees when combined with a fungicide, potentially jeopardizing colony survival. The study suggests that the impact of pesticides on bees could be worse than previously thought.
A new study reveals that bumblebees' dietary needs are crucial for their development and the production of favorite foods like tomatoes, blueberries, and strawberries. The loss of plant diversity can lead to developmental delays and stress on queens, ultimately affecting colony growth.
Scientists found that honey bees share immunity with each other and their offspring through RNA 'vaccines' transmitted via royal jelly. This discovery could lead to new ways to protect bees against viruses and diseases.
Researchers have identified a key gene driving color differences in bumble bee species, revealing the genetic basis of mimicry and evolutionary adaptations. The study found that a specific regulatory region influences Abdominal-B gene expression, resulting in unique color patterns.
A Rutgers-led study found that female and male bees of the same species visit different flowers for food, with females collecting pollen at greater rates than males. The research suggests targeting flower preferences to maintain genetically diverse bee populations.
A massive field trial in Sweden found that clothianidin has no negative effect on honeybee colonies, but disrupts growth and threatens survival of bumblebee colonies. The study confirms previous findings and highlights the importance of wild bee trials in pesticide risk assessment.
A new study reveals that bumble bee populations in Michigan have decreased significantly over the past century, with 12 out of 19 species experiencing declines. The research found that bumble bees that collect pollen from a narrower range of plants are more likely to decline.
A University of Guelph study found that neonicotinoid pesticides, like clothianidin, can reduce honey bees' grooming behaviour when infected with varroa mites. This makes bees more susceptible to disease and death. The research highlights the importance of reducing stressors on bee colonies.
A new study led by York University reveals the American Bumblebee is critically endangered due to a 70% reduction in its area of occurrence and an 89% decrease in relative abundance. Immediate conservation action may save the species from extinction, similar to the fate of the Rusty-patched Bumblebee.
A US Department of Agriculture study found that cold exposure can cause weak honey bee colonies to fail during long-distance hauling. Colonies with fewer than 10 frames are more likely to lose bees and struggle to maintain stable temperatures, increasing the risk of failure and chilling.
In a two-year greenhouse experiment, plants pollinated by bumblebees without herbivory evolved more attractive flowers, while those with herbivory had higher concentrations of defensive toxic metabolites. Plants developed a tendency to spontaneously self-pollinate when damaged by caterpillars.
A recent study found that pesticide cocktails can harm honey bees, reducing their survival and causing abnormal behavior. The research, led by the University of California San Diego, showed that combining Sivanto with a common fungicide can synergistically harm bee behavior and survival, depending on seasonality and bee age.
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found that even tiny amounts of neonicotinoid pesticides can severely impact flying insects' motion detection abilities. The study's results suggest that very low doses of these widely-used neurotoxins can profoundly affect a flying insect's ability to detect movement, making it crucial for...
Researchers at University of New Hampshire found 14 wild bee species declining in the Northeast, including ground nesters and cavity nesters, with significant shifts in elevation and latitude. Climate change is affecting certain populations, particularly in coastal areas.
The article presents science-based guidelines for creating a bee-friendly landscape, highlighting the importance of native plants and diverse flower forms. Key findings include non-native plants extending the flowering season and pest-free plants attracting beneficial bees.
A study by Lerman and D'Amico found that less frequent lawn mowing in suburban areas has no detectable effect on blacklegged tick populations. In fact, the researchers documented 111 bee species across 16 lawns, highlighting a viable habitat for native bees.
A two-year study found that wild bees thrive in areas with moderate to severe forest fires, which creates a favorable environment for their survival. The researchers detected a significant increase in bee populations and diversity in these zones, highlighting the importance of fire severity as a predictor of bee habitat.
Virginia Tech researchers Margaret Couvillon and Roger Schürch have decoded the universal language of honey bees, allowing scientists to interpret the insects' sophisticated communications. By deciphering waggle dances, they hope to better understand pollinators' preferred forages and food sources.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a novel adhesive inspired by the natural mixture of bee spit and flower oil, which shows unique properties in resisting changes in humidity. The glue works similarly to a layer of cooking oil covering syrup, slowing down drying considerably.
A new study reveals that one-third of pollinator species have declined in distribution across Great Britain, while others remain stable or show inconclusive trends. However, an unexpected positive finding is the increase in key bee species responsible for pollinating flowering crops.
Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to selectively shut off a gene for female development, finding that diet has no effect on gonad size when the gene is turned off. This suggests that a specific genetic program must be switched on to permit nutrient level to affect gonad size.
Scientists discovered queen bumblebees spend most of their time hiding, resting and making short flights after hibernation. This behaviour helps them disperse far from their natal nest, with researchers suggesting creating pollinator-friendly corridors can aid in their survival.
Researchers found that honey bee colonies foraging on land with a strong cover of clover species and alfalfa do significantly better than those in crop fields. Higher levels of vitellogenin stores are associated with increased colony size, antioxidant enzymes, and disease resistance.
Researchers from Virginia Tech and Eastern Washington University are collaborating on a $958,415 NSF grant to study the critical role of the honey bee gut microbiome in health and defense against parasites. The team aims to develop a network of genes from the parasite, microbiome, and host to determine their interactions with each other.
Researchers found that chronic exposure to realistic soil concentrations of imidacloprid affects solitary bees' mass, immature development speed, and adult longevity. Ground-nesting bee species are more susceptible to pesticide effects due to their smaller nest sizes and prolonged underground stays.
Researchers observed Ceratina nigrolabiata bees employing biparental care and social monogamy to safeguard offspring. This unconventional approach allows for increased protection of offspring, benefiting male bees by enhancing their mating prospects.
Researchers analyzed honey from urban beehives to detect pollutants like lead and zinc. The study found higher element concentrations near downtown areas with heavy traffic and industrial activity, suggesting potential manmade sources of pollution.
Research reveals that supporting local communities with cultural, spiritual, and economic connections to pollinators is key to effective conservation. The study suggests that policies like biocultural conservation can foster pollinator protection and sustainable management of resources.
Wild bees experiencing widespread declines due to urbanization may be more male-dominated as females decline in numbers, impacting pollination and reproduction rates. This study suggests considering sex-specific differences in bee behavior when analyzing environmental change effects on populations.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that honey bees produce distinct cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles based on age, which affects their social recognition and interaction with other bees within the colony. This study sheds light on the complex mechanisms of nestmate recognition in social insects.
Researchers found that bee colonies are more successful collecting food without waggle dance, suggesting the environment plays a key role. Bees were more active and produced more honey when deprived of dance language.
A team of international scientists and conservationists has successfully rediscovered the world's largest bee, Wallace's giant bee. The species was lost to science since 1981 but has been found in Indonesia, where it is threatened by forest destruction.
Honey bees are outcompeting native pollinators for access to pollen and nectar in San Diego's natural habitats. The study found that honey bees account for more than 90 percent of pollinators observed visiting flowers on the most abundantly flowering native plant species.
Researchers from Aarhus University discovered that insects leave tiny DNA traces on flowers they visit, revealing at least 135 different species of butterflies and insects. This eDNA method holds vast potential for tracking endangered pollinators and managing unwanted pest species.
Harvard scientists develop a framework explaining how bees use environmental signals to collectively cluster and ventilate their hive. They found that individual bees respond to temperature variations, and the physics of fluid flow leads to efficient cooling solutions.
Research suggests that bees' dispersal ability influences their population genetic structure, which can impact their response to environmental changes. Larger-bodied bees with social behaviors exhibit lower genetic diversity than smaller-bodied solitary species.
Researchers found that bees can recognize colors as symbolic representations for basic math operations and use this information to solve problems. The study suggests that advanced numerical cognition may be found widely in nature among non-human animals.
New research identifies insecticide combinations that are lethal to honeybees and their larvae, leading to a recommendation to stop using these chemicals during almond bloom. The study's findings have already led to changes in industry practices, with many growers backing off insecticide use.