Researchers found a single gene mutation responsible for thelytoky syndrome, a phenomenon where worker bees ignore queen orders and reproduce on their own. The dominant Thelytoky (Th) gene requires only one copy to express selfish behavior, but its partner gene is necessary for fertility.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 8, 2019
Researchers discovered that viruses associated with the varroa mite have spilled over into the western yellowjacket, a honeybee predator, causing a change in genetic diversity. This finding suggests that introducing non-native species can have far-reaching effects on ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJan 8, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that bees can solve simple counting tasks with minimal brainpower, using a miniature 'brain' with just four nerve cells. This finding suggests that intelligence and cognitive abilities do not require large brains, but rather efficient algorithms and specific strategies.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournaliScience·DateDec 21, 2018
The small hive beetle's genome has been published, providing crucial keys for better control methods, including insecticidal treatments and genetic solutions. The SHB has a strong gene-guided system that detoxifies many insecticides, allowing researchers to target specific pathways for effective control.
SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalGigaScience·DateDec 20, 2018
Engineers at the University of Washington have developed a sensing system that can ride on top of a bumblebee, allowing for long-term data collection without power constraints. The system uses a tiny rechargeable battery and a receiver to triangulate the bee's position, enabling precise location tracking.
New studies suggest that current pesticide regulations fail to account for potential health threats to non-honeybee bee species, which are equally important pollinators. Researchers are calling for more diverse models, such as solitary bees and bumblebees, to be included in risk assessments.
SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateDec 11, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers examine data on 660 bee species found within the monument's original boundaries, which is still home to 87% of these pollinators. The reduction in protected areas threatens 'edge' populations that could be first to go extinct due to climate change.
SourceUtah State University·JournalPeerJ·DateDec 4, 2018
Scientists have created a lab-based method to monitor honey bee queen fertility, revealing the impact of worker nutrition on queen egg laying. The study found that worker bees fed with pollen paste resulted in slower egg laying rates for queens compared to those fed with bee bread.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 3, 2018
Researchers identify fipronil as a potential cause of mass honey bee mortalities in France in the 1990s. Laboratory studies and modeling simulations suggest that fipronil, not imidacloprid, was more likely involved in colony collapse due to toxic bioaccumulation.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018
A novel scale-free mechanism guides the search of an artificial bee colony algorithm, improving its exploitation ability and maintaining population diversity. This enables a better balance between exploration and exploitation, leading to enhanced search ability in real-world optimization problems.
SourceKanazawa University·JournalInformation Sciences·DateNov 30, 2018
A study led by University of Vermont scientists reveals that wild bees are essential for larger and better blueberry yields, providing major benefits including greater berry size, quantity and earlier harvests. Maintaining natural bee habitat and reducing pesticide use can help protect wild bees.
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.
Researchers mapped bee colonies' entire genetic make-up to identify emerging diseases threatening native populations. The study found that native bees may survive better in cooler climates than southern European relatives.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 26, 2018
Researchers found that bees' speed decreases when entering a turn and increases when exiting, allowing them to maintain constant centripetal acceleration. Bees manage their speed to reduce 'sideslips' caused by excess centrifugal force, making turns with sharp forces more manageable.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 21, 2018
A new study led by James Crall at Harvard University found that exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides has profound effects on a host of social behaviors in bees, including reduced nursing of larvae and decreased social interaction. The study also showed that pesticides impair bees' ability to regulate temperatures inside the nest.
SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2018
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.
Exposure to neonicotinoids like imidacloprid disrupts bee colony growth by reducing worker activity, feeding and larval care. This results in impaired thermoregulation, increased mortality and reduced colony sizes.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2018
During the 2017 total solar eclipse, researchers captured a surprising phenomenon: bees stopped buzzing as Earth fell into complete darkness. The study, led by Candace Galen at the University of Missouri, found that bees did not use the unusual darkness as a cue for night and instead flew during periods of reduced light.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateNov 8, 2018
The study reveals that nearly half of Utah's bee species dwell within the monument's original boundaries, with over 660 species identified. This hotspot of bee diversity is attributed to the presence of 87% of Utah's flowering plant species within the monument's boundaries.
SourceUtah State University·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 7, 2018
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.
A recent study of native wild bees in Mexico's tropical dry forest found that preserved vegetation areas support significantly greater bee richness and diversity. Urbanization and agriculture lead to major shifts in species composition, threatening local extinctions.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateNov 1, 2018
Scientists have discovered intricate glycan structures in royal jelly, a substance believed to influence honeybee development. These findings challenge previous assumptions and may lead to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between glycosylated proteins and signaling pathways.
SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateOct 29, 2018
A new study suggests up to 13% of US beekeepers are in danger of losing their colonies due to pesticides sprayed to contain the Zika virus. The researchers calculated the percentage of colonies that could be affected by comparing data on bee densities with areas at risk from Zika.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Apicultural Research·DateOct 29, 2018
Research finds that bigger stingless bee species can fly better in high-temperature conditions than smaller counterparts. This contradicts the well-established temperature-size rule, which predicts that ectotherms should be larger in cold climates and smaller in hot ones.
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers found nearly 200 gene variations linked to social behavior in sweat bees, including 21 clustered near genes implicated in human autism. The study suggests a core set of genes play an important role in shaping social behavior across species.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2018
Researchers found that queens and males are greatly affected by low-dose neonicotinoid pesticide exposure, threatening the stability and survival of wild bee populations. The study also reveals that exposure alters genes regulating biological functions such as locomotion, reproduction, immunity, and learning and memory.
SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 17, 2018
Researchers monitored bee activity during the 2017 total solar eclipse and found that bees ceased flying during totality. The study, supported by a grant from the American Astronomical Society, engaged over 400 participants in setting up acoustic monitoring stations across the US.
SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateOct 10, 2018
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.
Researchers found that wasp and bee stingers are softer at the tip than at the base, allowing for easier penetration. The study also showed that the stingers are about seven times more elastic at the tip than at the base, enabling them to penetrate deep while maintaining their structure.
SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 8, 2018
A mushroom extract fed to honey bees greatly reduces virus levels, with a 79-fold reduction in deformed wing virus and a 45,000-fold reduction in Lake Sinai virus. The research shows promise for treating varroa mite-borne viruses and improving bee health.
SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2018
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that social behavior in eusocial species like sweat bees is more attributed to cooperative behavior than genetic similarity. This finding challenges previous theories and suggests that the benefit of grouping is a key factor in the evolution of cooperation, including among humans.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 3, 2018
A study by North Carolina State University found that sunflower pollen reduces infection rates in bees and improves colony health. However, it also had a deleterious effect on honey bees, leading to higher mortality rates compared to other diets.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 26, 2018
Bees exhibit unique behavior when exposed to external loads, such as wind and rain. By analyzing their responses, researchers have gained insight into the collective problem-solving mechanisms of living systems.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 26, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A new UMass Amherst study found that eating sunflower pollen dramatically reduced a protozoan pathogen infection in bumble bees. The researchers also discovered that incorporating sunflowers into pollinator gardens could provide a simple solution to improve the health of economically and ecologically important pollinators.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 26, 2018
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin finds that exposure to glyphosate, a common weed killer, reduces healthy gut microbiota in honey bees and makes them more vulnerable to infection. This compromise can lead to bee deaths, particularly when exposed to opportunistic pathogens.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018
The herbicide glyphosate reduces abundances of dominant gut microbiota species in exposed bees, making them more susceptible to pathogens. Bees with impaired gut microomes are more likely to die when exposed to opportunistic pathogens.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018
Moths have been found to carry pollen from various plant species, including crops such as peas and soybean, suggesting they may play an important ecological role in pollination. This discovery highlights the potential benefits of moths to plants and agricultural systems, potentially preventing inbreeding among plants.
SourceUniversity of York·JournalEcological Entomology·DateSep 18, 2018
Researchers found that people's dislike of wasps is largely due to a lack of knowledge about their role in regulating pest populations and disease-carrying insects. The study suggests that changing public attitudes towards wasps could help protect the ecosystem's biodiversity.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalEcological Entomology·DateSep 18, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A beetle that tricks bees into carrying it into their nests has adapted its deceptions to local hosts, according to research. The larvae of the beetle lure male digger bees with chemical signals mimicking female sex pheromones, allowing them to feed on bee eggs and provisions.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2018
Researchers found that geographically isolated populations of parasitic blister beetles use distinct adaptations to target different host bee species. The larvae emit chemical cues tailored to the pheromones of local hosts, attracting male bees and exploiting their nests.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2018
The Brazilian stingless bee, Tetragonisca angustula, uses a unique defense strategy by positioning its hovering guards in an organized manner at the nest entrance. This allows for rapid detection and interception of intruders, improving nest vigilance.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateSep 5, 2018
The PoshBee EU Horizon 2020 project aims to support healthy bee populations and sustainable beekeeping practices in Europe. The project will integrate knowledge from academics, beekeepers, and farmers to quantify the exposure hazard of chemicals on bees and determine their impact on health.
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers observed 'antennal grabbing' behavior in three different cuckoo bee species in the genus Nomada, where males transfer pheromones during copulation. This phenomenon has been documented for the first time in this genus, shedding new light on the courtship and mating behaviors of these kleptoparasitic bees.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateAug 27, 2018
Researchers at York University found that inbreeding and disease are likely causes of the yellow-banded bumblebee's rapid decline in North America. The study reveals that bumblebees' immune genes are under selection, pointing to disease as a likely cause.
SourceYork University·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateAug 23, 2018
Scientists discovered that bees' quality of life is highest in gardens and biodiverse forests, while lowest in plantations. The decline of biodiversity is linked to bee extinction due to the lack of sufficient food and resources.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that removing timber harvest residue during logging can increase the abundance and diversity of wild bees. The study suggests that managing forests to promote soil-nesting bee habitats could be an effective strategy for conserving these important pollinators.
Researchers detected higher levels of chemical substances in Africanized honeybee brains than in gentler strains, triggering irascible behavior. The compounds also regulate food intake and digestion in flies and mice, illustrating molecular mechanisms underlying different species' behavior evolution.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateAug 14, 2018
A study conducted at Kruger park in South Africa found that honeybee pheromones safely repel elephants, showing promise for a safe elephant management tool. The pheromone-laden socks were effective in deterring elephants from approaching water holes, with 25 of 29 elephants moving away after getting close enough to smell the formulation.
A large-scale study confirms pesticides negatively affect bee learning and memory abilities, even at field-realistic dosages. Bees exposed to pesticides are less likely to learn and memorize rewarding scents.
SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 11, 2018
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.
Researchers detected pesticides in hummingbird cloacal fluid and fecal pellets, as well as in bumble bee pollen and blueberry flowers. The findings suggest pesticide exposure may impact the health and ecosystem services of these pollinators
SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJul 5, 2018
Scientists used tiny radio tags attached to Asian hornets to track them to five previously undiscovered nests in southern France and Jersey. The technique has the potential to help protect Britain's beleaguered pollinator populations from the invasive species' devastating impact on honeybees and other pollinators.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 4, 2018
A Northwestern University study found that climate change can push mason bees to their physiological limits, leading to high mortality rates and potentially driving local extinction. Bees in warmer environments emerged later, had smaller bodies, and lower body fat, making it harder for them to reproduce.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateJun 28, 2018
A team of researchers has identified 27 new viruses in bees from around the world, shedding light on the impact of viral pathogens on bee health and agriculture. The discovery was made using a novel high-throughput sequencing technique that efficiently detected both known and unknown viruses.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that bees are attracted to blue fluorescent light, particularly within a specific wavelength range of 430-480 nanometers. This finding has significant implications for bee population assessment and manipulation, such as attracting large numbers of bees for crop pollination.
SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Comparative Physiology A·DateJun 18, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers taught bees to recognize 'greater than' and 'less than' inequalities, and they successfully applied this knowledge to understand the concept of zero. This groundbreaking study reveals that even with a limited number of neurons, insects can grasp abstract mathematical concepts.
Researchers trained free-flying honey bees to recognize numbers from two to five, then introduced one and zero, demonstrating their ability to distinguish zero as lower than one.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2018
New research reveals that honeybees preferentially select larvae with optimal nutritional status for emergency queen rearing. The study found that worker bees can distinguish between hungry and well-fed larvae, resulting in a higher success rate for queen production when non-deprived larvae are selected.
SourceOregon State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 7, 2018
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 at RMIT University found that honeybees can comprehend the concept of zero, a feat previously thought to be exclusive to humans and other intelligent species. This discovery has significant implications for developing artificial intelligence, as it suggests simpler approaches may be possible.
Researchers examined neuropeptide changes in aggressive and non-aggressive Africanized honeybees, finding that specific peptides can trigger aggression. The study provides new insights into the neurological basis for honeybee behavior, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJun 6, 2018
Researchers at TUM have developed a biodegradable insect deterrent that repels pests without poisoning them, potentially saving bees and other beneficial insects. The new product is produced by bacteria that use terpenoid-based compounds to protect themselves from pests, offering an alternative to traditional synthetic pesticides.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 6, 2018
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 found that honey bees shift their nutrient intake according to the season, increasing calcium consumption in the fall and seeking high-potassium sources. This adaptation helps prepare the bees for colder months when they need these minerals to generate warmth.
SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Insect Physiology·DateMay 29, 2018
A new study by Nicolai Foss and colleagues argues that taxing Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)' profits is inefficient and detrimental to global welfare. The authors propose replacing corporate tax with a hike in taxes on dividends and sales, claiming this would be more effective and harmonize easier.
SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of International Business Studies·DateMay 22, 2018
Researchers found that probiotics can decrease the mortality rate of nosemosis in bees by up to 40% and are as effective as commercial probiotics. The study suggests using beneficial bacteria from healthy bee microbiota to combat this disease.
SourceUniversité Laval·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 17, 2018
Researchers discovered that wasps produce distinct sounds by drumming their abdomens against different parts of the nest, signaling good food is nearby. This complex communication behavior is similar to that seen in ants, bees, termites, and other social insects.
SourceLaGuardia Community College·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateMay 15, 2018