Articles tagged with Bees
Scientists discovered a network of neurons in bees' brains that integrates direction and distance changes, enabling them to return home. A detailed computer model was developed based on this research, which could lead to new algorithms for autonomous robots.
A study by North Carolina State University researchers found that climate change impacts bumble bees through changes in flowering seasons, not just direct effects. Longer flowering seasons may actually lead to fewer flowers available for bees, resulting in reduced bee abundance and population decline.
A new study by FSU researchers found that changing climate conditions lead to more days with poor flower availability, resulting in food shortages and population decline among bumble bees. This finding highlights the critical role of floral distribution throughout a season in determining bumble bee populations.
Researchers found that South Africa's oil-collecting Rediviva bee species have evolved long front legs to reach oil in snapdragons' twin spurs. The length of these spurs varies among species, and bees coat their legs with velvety hairs to soak up the oil.
Researchers found that stingless bees control worker reproduction through pheromones, allowing workers to care for the queen's offspring instead of their own. This adaptation creates a conflict between the queen and workers over reproductive interests.
A new study finds climate change will reduce coffee-growing areas in Latin America by up to 88% by 2050, mainly due to declining bee populations. However, the research also identifies regions where bee diversity is likely to increase, potentially boosting coffee productivity.
Future warming scenarios predict a 73-88% reduction in areas suitable for growing coffee by 2050. Bee diversity may decline by 8-18% in future coffee-growing regions, but some species will still be present in 46-59% of these areas.
A new model of climate change effects suggests that diversity in bee species may save the day for coffee production in Latin America. The study, which considers both plants and animals, predicts that at least five bee species will be left in future coffee-suitable areas, with 10 species remaining in about half of the regions.
A study found that ungroomed areas on bees' bodies match the position of flower pollen-sacs and stigmas, facilitating pollen transfer. The researchers also discovered that these 'safe sites' are contacted by flowers' reproductive organs, allowing for efficient pollination.
A recent study reveals that despite knowing bees are crucial to plant pollination, many people are unaware of the wide diversity of bee species beyond honeybees. The survey found that only 14% of respondents could accurately identify the number of bee species in the US, highlighting a need for public education and outreach.
Scientists discover new species of clearwing moth in Malaysian rainforest, displaying rare mud-puddling behavior. The newly discovered species, Pyrophleps ellawi, is a wasp-mimicking insect with transparent wings and blue sheen.
Scientists recommend reducing disease impacts on honeybees by limiting colony mixing and supporting natural bee behaviors. This approach could help reduce parasite transmission and promote disease resistance among the bees.
Research reveals that stingless bee queens rearing high rates of diploid males are sacrificed in up to 20 days, threatening the colony's survival. The emergence of these male bees with both paternal and maternal genetic material leads to reduced reproductive chances for the colony.
A recent study by researchers at UMass Amherst found that anabasine, a natural alkaloid, has deleterious effects on infected bees and exacerbates the negative effects of combined stressors on pollinator health. The compound was previously thought to have potential as a self-medicating agent against intestinal parasites in bumble bees.
Researchers found that nectar attracts herbivores like sawflies, which eat petals and nectaries, away from critical flower parts. This 'decoy' strategy allows flowers to protect their reproductive tissues, enhancing pollination success.
A University of Guelph study found that exposure to thiamethoxam reduces the chances of a bumblebee queen starting a new colony, with queens exposed to pesticides laying 26% fewer eggs. This significant decline in nesting behavior threatens the survival of wild bumblebee populations.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered four genes that help Varroa mites survive and two that affect their reproduction. The team used RNA interference to identify the key genes, which could lead to reduced or eliminated mite populations. This breakthrough may also have applications beyond bee conservation.
Researchers predict potential for rapid colonization of UK by Asian hornet, threatening honey bee and beneficial insect populations. Beekeepers and public advised to be vigilant in identifying nests and reporting sightings to halt destruction of bee populations.
A team of researchers has developed a simplified genetic toolkit to test hypotheses about the neural underpinnings of behavior in animals. The toolbox allows scientists to easily tailor the approach for any purpose and any species, overcoming limitations in traditional model organisms like fruit flies and mice.
Researchers found that genes closely associated with autism in humans are regulated differently in unresponsive honey bees than their more responsive nest mates. The study reveals unique parallels between the behavior of these unresponsive bees and those with autism.
A study conducted in rapeseed fields found that nesting aids increased brood cells and attracted a variety of pollinator species. The availability of flowering plants and nesting sites is crucial for wild bee reproduction and diversity.
Researchers found that temporal mismatches between bees and plant species lead to negative consequences, including reduced plant pollination. Bees develop species-specific strategies to mitigate the impact, but these are not sufficient to prevent severe fitness loss.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism for processing color information in honeybees, which could improve color constancy in imaging systems. The study found that the bees' ocelli contain two color receptors that can detect ambient light color, allowing them to discount naturally colored illumination and perceive true colors.
Researchers discovered that bumblebees use two distinct behaviors to collect pollen from flowers: scrabbling when pollen is abundant and sonication when it's scarce. By analyzing chemical and mechanical cues, the team found that bees switch between these motor regimes depending on their environment.
A recent field study found that neonicotinoid pesticides reduce honeybee colony survival and overwintering success in two European countries. Exposure to treated crops also decreases reproductive success in wild bee species, highlighting the need for further research on mitigation strategies.
A new study by York University researchers has found that exposure to field-realistic levels of neonicotinoids kills honeybee workers and queens earlier, reducing the overall health of the colony. The study also revealed that contaminated pollen comes from plants adjacent to treated crops, not directly from corn or soybeans.
Researchers found that bumble bees create more efficient foraging routes when larger flowers are available, as they can quickly recognize and navigate to the next nearest flower. This study suggests that learning is a choice that foragers make based on the cost-benefit balance of learning, depending on circumstances.
Two large-scale field studies reveal that neonicotinoids harm bees by reducing reproductive success and survival, with effects varying by environment. Neonicotinoid exposure also impairs worker bee life expectancy and queen colony stability.
A study from North Carolina State University found that common wild bee species decline as urban temperatures rise. The researchers used a lab test to predict how whole populations will fare at higher temperatures in urban areas, finding that the least heat-tolerant species are most affected.
Researchers found that simulated honeybees with removed mushroom body circuits performed well in odor learning tasks, using a simple neural circuit previously associated with instinctive behaviors. This suggests that even the simplest nervous systems can exhibit remarkable plasticity and adaptability.
Researchers found that foraging honeybees and nurse bees have synchronized circadian clocks, despite their constant activity. The study reveals that a functional clock is crucial for these animals, even in environments without day-night cycles.
The USDA has allocated $6.8 million for seven research and extension grants focused on pollinator health, addressing declining populations of managed and wild pollinators. These projects aim to promote pollinator health, reduce honey bee colony losses, and restore habitats.
Researchers found that probiotics can improve immunity in fruit flies exposed to pesticides, a common model for studying honey bee effects. This mechanism could lead to improved survival rates for honey bees exposed to pesticide toxins, with potential benefits for agriculture and human health.
A study published in PNAS found that halictid bees have more sensory machinery on their antennae compared to solitary species, suggesting a link between social behavior evolution and communication. The research suggests that sensilla density may be an important precursor to the evolution of social behavior.
Researchers have developed a genetically engineered mosquito-killing fungus that can target disease-carrying mosquitoes with high efficiency, while being safe for humans and other insects. The fungus uses spider and scorpion toxins to block calcium and potassium channels in the mosquito's nervous system.
Bee health expert Lynn Adler is studying the impact of sunflower pollen on honeybees and bumblebees. Her research aims to explore whether sunflower pollen can help bees fight off a common pathogen, potentially leading to new commercial products to support bee health.
A new method using microphones has been developed to track pollinating bees, which could save farms money by predicting bee activity and pollination services. The researchers recorded bee buzzing sounds using inexpensive equipment and compared them to visual counts, achieving high accuracy.
Researchers developed an inexpensive acoustic listening system to monitor bees in flight, allowing farmers to track pollination and increase food production. The technology, published in PLOS ONE, could also engage global 'citizen scientists' in monitoring bee activity in their backyards.
Researchers found distinct genetic variations in mountain and savannah honey bees that help them adapt to high altitudes. The study reveals a shared evolutionary history between the two sub-species.
Researchers found that guard bees are significantly larger and more robust than foragers in 10 out of 28 stingless bee species analyzed. The evolution of guards with increased size likely relates to the risk of attack by parasitic robber bees, which is a common threat to many stingless bee species.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that bumblebee populations are higher in Detroit than surrounding less-urbanized areas. Vacant lots may provide essential nesting sites and food sources for the bees. The results suggest that urban landscapes can be managed to support native bee conservation.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London found that nicotine-laced nectar enhances bumblebees' learning of flower colors and creates addiction-like behavior. The study suggests plants may manipulate pollinator behavior using psychoactive substances like nicotine.
Researchers find that Varroa mite populations are growing and spreading in managed bee colonies due to close proximity and lack of swarming. The study suggests new integrated pest management strategies are needed to control the migratory pest.
Agricultural production improves hive health by providing adequate food resources and nectar yields, outweighing pesticide risks. Bees in agricultural areas had better colony thermoregulation and higher brood production than those in non-agricultural environments.
Researchers found that neonicotinoid pesticide thiamethoxam impairs honey bee flight ability, affecting their ability to collect food and pollinate crops. Long-term exposure can be fatal, while short-term exposure increases activity levels but decreases accuracy of flight.
Flowers that attract hummingbirds have specific characteristics that also deter bumblebees, with certain combinations of traits discouraging wasteful visits. Bees have difficulty learning to combine red with other sensory traits, making it economic sense for them to avoid bird flowers.
Research reveals that honey bees can see objects as small as 1.9°, 30% better than previously recorded, and detect smaller details, improving navigation and survival. This discovery has implications for understanding insect vision and could aid in designing bio-inspired robotics.
A new study suggests that human activity is driving the spread of honey bee pathogens, leading to colony losses. The research argues for collective actions to mitigate this issue, including stronger regulations and increased education among beekeepers.
Researchers sequenced Africanized bee genomes to understand their success. They identified a region linked to ovary size and foraging strategy, key traits for adaptation and dispersal. Hybridization between different populations led to the creation of new genetic variants, contributing to the bees' exceptional abilities.
Fast-learning bumblebees collect fewer resources and have shorter foraging careers, according to a new U of G study. The researchers found that the energy demands of intelligence may eat up limited resources, leaving smart bees with less energy.
A recent study reveals that rearranging nest boxes increases the return of blue orchard bees to managed sites, leading to higher nesting success and potential for sustainable commercial pollination. The experiment found a uniform nest-box distribution resulted in significantly higher nesting by all three factors measured.
Researchers discovered five species of bacteria that have been passed down from generation to generation in social bees for 80 million years. These symbiotic bacteria are a key part of the biology of social bees and can cause health problems if disrupted.
Researchers found that a pollinator's size significantly influences how much pollen is deposited, with bees fitting tightly into flowers to vibrate and unlock pollen. This discovery helps understand natural populations of nightshade plants and their pollinators.
New research finds that commonly used fungicides in almond orchards can be harmful to honey bees, leading to a significant reduction in their survival rate. The study's findings suggest that bees may face danger from chemical applications even when responsibly applied.
Researchers found that plants pollinated by bumblebees became more fragrant and had larger flowers with greater UV color component. In contrast, plants pollinated by hoverflies were smaller and less fragrant, with increased self-pollination.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that honey bees favor agricultural areas over urban neighborhoods for nectar and pollen. The discovery suggests that farmland can be a superior source of food for honey bees, contradicting the assumption that urban areas are more attractive to them.
Researchers found that antibiotic-treated honeybees were half as likely to survive, with gut microbes disrupted and harmful bacteria increased. The study suggests that overuse of antibiotics may contribute to colony collapse and has implications for human health.
Researchers discovered bumblebees can recognize scents left by family members, sisters, and unrelated individuals. This ability helps them remember visited flowers and make informed decisions about food sources.
An international team of researchers identified a core set of genes involved in honey bee responses to viruses and parasites. The findings provide new possibilities for breeding more resilient honey bee stocks and understanding pathogen interactions with other insects.
Researchers observed two bee species using green plastic to construct brood cells, a novel behavior that may reflect adaptive traits for survival. The study highlights the innovative nesting strategies employed by bees in response to environmental changes.