Articles tagged with Bees
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that bees' taste neurons fire intense signals for up to 10 seconds when they encounter a sweet substance. This prolonged activation allows the bee to remain feeding at the same sugar source, making it more efficient for the colony.
A total of 43 known cuckoo bees have been identified in North America, with 15 new species discovered by York University PhD Candidate Thomas Onuferko. The newly described species possess distinctive patterns and are difficult to distinguish from other bees.
A new study by Swansea University researcher Andrew Lucas reveals vital behaviors of hoverflies in plant pollination. The research helps identify the plants hoverflies visit and provides advice to landowners on species-rich grasslands.
A new study suggests that human changes to the landscape, such as monoculture farming and forestry, are affecting honeybees' long-term food supply. The diversity of bacteria associated with bee bread, a crucial food source for young bees, is lower in hives near agriculturally improved grasslands and coniferous forests.
The Macropis Cuckoo Bee, one of North America's rarest bees, has its known range greatly expanded after a new record was found in Alberta, Canada. Scientists have discussed the conservation status of this species and emphasized the importance of monitoring for populations to ensure its survival.
Researchers at UCR have isolated three new bacterial species from wild bees that may inhibit fungi growth in pollen provisions. These Lactobacillus strains could help preserve nectar and pollen for larvae, promoting bee health.
Researchers analyzed 8.3 million organizations and found that female leaders increased the number of women in top- and middle-management positions in public organizations.
Research shows that exposure to pesticides and herbicides can impair honey bees' sense of taste and ability to learn, affecting hive efficiency and pollination capabilities. Young worker bees are particularly vulnerable, even if they have not left the hive.
Research found droughts halve overall flower numbers, reducing food for bees and other pollinators in chalk grasslands.
A new pesticide, Sivanto, manufactured by Bayer AG, has been found to negatively impact honeybees' taste, learning, and memory capabilities. While proper use of the pesticide reduces negative effects, further research is needed to examine its influence on motor function, waggle dance, or orientation.
A study by the University of Sussex reveals that climate change is altering the timing of events in the interdependent relationship between a rare orchid species and the Buffish Mining-bee. The research shows that rising temperatures are causing an increase in years where the sequence of events needed for successful pollination does no...
A nationwide team of citizen scientists will convert lawns into native wildflower havens to attract native bees and other insects. The project aims to increase the bee's native habitat and educate the public about the importance of pollinators in food production.
A team of researchers will create decision-support tools to help beekeepers and land managers maintain pollinator populations. The tools will assess landscape factors, predict bee health, and provide information on flowering plant species.
A study by University of Sheffield researchers found that honeybee colonies follow the same laws as the human brain when making collective decisions, including Pieron's Law, Hick's Law, and Weber's Law. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of human behavior and cognition.
A recent study reveals that differences in metabolic enzyme activity break down pesticide chemicals, explaining bee sensitivity. Researchers found specific enzymes like CYP9Q3 and CYP9Q4 responsible for tolerance to thiacloprid and imidacloprid, respectively.
Researchers have discovered specific enzymes in honeybees and bumblebees that enable them to metabolize neonicotinoid insecticides safely. This knowledge can be used to design bee-friendly insecticides, potentially reducing the harm caused by these chemicals to pollinators.
A joint study by the University of Exeter and Bayer AG has identified key enzymes in honeybees and bumblebees responsible for their sensitivity to neonicotinoid pesticides. This breakthrough provides valuable tools to screen new pesticides early in development, potentially avoiding costly restrictions on their use.
Researchers discovered that the proteins in royal jelly, particularly MRJP1 and apisimin, create a fibre-like structure that makes it viscous enough to keep queen larvae in their cells. This property ensures the survival of bee colonies by preventing larvae from falling out and developing into queens.
Research reveals that royal jelly's acidity changes its consistency, enabling it to cling to the ceiling of queen cells and support the growth of future queens. This property is essential for the survival of honeybees, as larvae destined to become queens need a stable environment to develop.
Research suggests that taking a 'lazy lawn mower' approach by mowing every two weeks instead of weekly can encourage bee habitat in suburban lawns. This results in more lawn flowers blooming, which helps bees. The study found that lawns mowed every three weeks had the most lawn flowers and the highest diversity of 93 bee species.
A study by the USDA Forest Service found that mowing lawns less frequently can significantly improve pollinator habitat, increasing flower growth and diversity of bee species. This practice is estimated to benefit an estimated 40 million acres of lawn in the US, promoting native bee populations.
Scientists at the University of Manchester are creating micro-robots inspired by jumping spiders and flying bees to improve manufacturing efficiency. The goal is to deploy these robots in unknown environments for complex engineering tasks.
A new study found that US animal-related fatalities remained stable from 2008-2015, with most deaths caused by nonvenomous animals like farm animals and dogs. The majority of fatalities were preventable, highlighting the need for education and targeted public policy to reduce animal-related deaths.
Bees soar with web traffic algorithms, but ants and slime mold flop. Nature's design inspirations are valuable, but not always practical. Classic algorithms still outperform nature-inspired methods in static problems like the Traveling Salesman Problem.
A Rutgers University study confirms that an abundance of wild bees is essential for efficient pollination in agricultural settings. The research found that over half of the observed species were necessary for pollination at one or more farms, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem services.
Introduced 'alien' honeybees are competing with native bees for resources, posing a threat to the survival of plants that rely on specific pollinators. This is particularly concerning in arid environments where super-generalist honeybees visit up to 55% of available plant species.
Researchers found that sick bees living with the gut parasite Nosema ceranae preferred higher-quality pollen when given the option. This preference could influence which flowers are visited by bees, impacting both native and crop pollination.
Researchers developed an automated system to monitor honey bee interactions, revealing a network structure that facilitates fast information spread. The study found that the bees' social network exhibited a 'bursty' pattern similar to human networks, but with rapid information spreading.
Domesticated honeybees contribute to wild bee declines through resource competition and disease spread. Researchers recommend policies to limit managed honeybee impact, including hive size limits and controls on hives in protected areas.