Articles tagged with Bees
A new Cornell study reveals that pesticides harm wild bees and indirectly threaten native pollinators, particularly in orchards with limited natural areas. The research highlights the importance of protecting these vital pollinators for food production, as they contribute to 35% of global food production.
Researchers at Michigan State University have found that Varroa mites can mimic the scent of honeybees to infiltrate hives. The study revealed that the parasites are able to adapt quickly, changing their surface chemicals within days to evade detection by bees.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered a microsporidian called Nosema ceranae can infect honeybee larvae, leading to reduced lifespans as adults. The parasite has been linked to colony collapse disorder, with global losses of one-third of managed bee colonies each year.
A new study by U.S. Forest Service scientists shows that changes in forest structure may be contributing to declines in native bee populations. Bees prefer open forests with diverse herbaceous communities, which require prescribed fire to maintain. Managing for open forests can also help sustain other species and pollination.
A new genomic study of bee species found that gene regulation and network complexity are linked to the evolution of social complexity. The research revealed changes in gene activity and DNA methylation as social behavior increased, indicating a 'collective genome' less vulnerable to environmental changes.
A genome analysis of ten bee species reveals that eusociality evolves differently each time, but shares common trends in gene regulation and complexity. Natural selection relaxes for key genes after complex social forms emerge, as seen in honeybees.
The US experienced a significant decline in honey bee colonies between April 2014 and April 2015, with beekeepers losing over 40% of their colonies. Summer losses were particularly severe, with commercial beekeepers facing high rates of colony losses due to unknown factors.
Research in The FASEB Journal found that neonicotinoid pesticides alter bee brains, disrupting learning, food gathering, and reproductive abilities. Exposure to low levels of these pesticides can cause significant harm to bees, leading to smaller colonies and poor nest conditions.
Researchers found that bumblebees infected with the Crithidia bombi parasite were more likely to consume nicotine-laced nectar, delaying parasite progression. However, consuming nicotine had negative effects, suppressing the appetite of infected bees and reducing healthy bee lifespan.
Two bumblebee species' genomes have been sequenced, providing insights into their behavior and responses to environmental threats. The research highlights the importance of understanding bumblebee biology to address declining populations and ensure their conservation.
The study provides insights into the genetic basis and evolution of bumblebee biology, including their social living, coping with chemicals, and diseases. The findings suggest that the immune system of bees has remained largely the same since before the origin of bee sociality.
A field study by Lund University has shown that neonicotinoid pesticides harm wild bees, affecting their growth and reproduction. Researchers found no negative impact on honeybees, but warned of the need for new evaluation methods to predict risks in real landscapes.
A genetic test that can identify desirable and undesirable bee subspecies has been created to improve biosecurity of honey bees worldwide. The test uses 95 genetic mutations that distinguish between African and European honey bees.
A genetic test has been developed to identify 'killer' bees, allowing for the safe import of Varroa-resistant honeybees from countries where killer bees are present. This technology is crucial for preventing losses in Australia's $4-6 billion crop industry relying on honeybee pollination.
A new open-access article provides cutting-edge resources for identifying parasitoid wasps in Africa and Madagascar, with over 306 described species and 54 genera available for research. The resource aims to facilitate future work on the taxonomy of these wasps and their importance in ecosystems.
A new study by Heather Mattila reveals that inadequate access to pollen during larval development has lasting effects on adult honey bees' performance and productivity. The study found that pollen-stressed bees were lighter, died younger, and had impaired foraging and waggle dancing abilities.
Researchers found that bumblebees can distinguish between two visually clearly different feeder types when arranged horizontally but failed to do so when they were distributed vertically. The bees' decision-making is influenced by their natural foraging environment, where rewarding and unrewarding flowers often grow side-by-side.
Researchers discovered that honey bees use distinct mechanisms to fight off viruses, bacteria, and gut parasites, including the RNAi pathway and DNA methylation. The findings may help develop targeted treatments for honey bee colonies affected by specific infections.
A study by Washington University in St. Louis found that low levels of manganese increased dopamine levels in honey bee brains, speeding up their behavior, while high doses caused toxicity. The findings suggest that honey bees may serve as early warning indicators for environmental toxins.
A two-year study found that flower strips on farms in the UK increased common bumblebee populations by significantly boosting their numbers and nesting density. The research suggests that targeted agri-environment schemes can boost bee populations, particularly for common species, but may not benefit rarer species as much.
A new field-based study from the University of Maryland reveals that realistic levels of imidacloprid exposure do not significantly harm honey bee colonies. However, higher doses and synergistic combinations with other stressors, such as climate change and malnutrition, can cause more severe consequences.
New research analyzed the gut bacteria of queen bees, finding a starkly different microbiome compared to worker bees. The study suggests that modern beekeeping practices may not harm colonies by disrupting the gut microfauna.
Researchers have discovered a network of viruses that pose a threat to multiple species of bumblebees and managed honeybees, highlighting the urgent need for disease management strategies. The study found five viruses, including deformed wing virus, in wild bees across Great Britain.
A study by North Carolina State University, Indiana University and Wellesley College found that the gut microbiome of honey bee queens remains consistent regardless of environment. The researchers characterized the microbiome throughout the queen's development, from larval stage to emergence as adults.
Researchers found that bumblebees can create false memories by combining features of previously seen stimuli. This phenomenon is similar to human memory conjunction errors and may be an adaptive mechanism to help animals respond in new situations. The study suggests that false memories may be widespread in the animal kingdom.
A study from San Francisco State University found that native bees can provide sufficient pollination for tomatoes in urban gardens, with floral resource density being the key factor. This research challenges conventional wisdom and offers good news for farmers in space-starved cities.
Researchers tracked thousands of bees and found that younger bees starting to forage earlier led to a decline in the colony's overall performance. This younger population was more likely to die on its first flights, leading to catastrophic consequences for the colony.
A new study found that viruses carried by commercial bees can jump to wild pollinators with potentially devastating effects. The researchers are calling for measures to prevent the introduction of diseased pollinators into natural environments.
A research team developed a new method using DNA metabarcoding to analyze pollen and uncovered the secret life of bees. This technique identified twice as many plant families than microscopic analysis and provided deeper insights into bee foraging behavior.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have identified a toxin released by the pathogen Paenibacillus larvae that causes American foulbrood disease. The study found a lead-based inhibitor against this toxin, which could lead to natural and effective approaches for fighting bee brood diseases.
New research from The Ohio State University found that a combination of shredded newspaper and grass clippings is an effective mulch material, allowing squash bees to nest without negative impacts. This eco-friendly practice also improves plant growth and fruit production.
A new study links climate change to the spread of an exotic honey bee parasite, which could lead to increased colony losses in Britain. The research suggests that warmer temperatures will allow the parasite to become more prevalent, negatively impacting native species.
Honeybee populations are under stress due to various factors, leading to susceptibility to diseases. Researchers suggest that managing stress and improving nutrition could help improve bee immunity and health. They call for more basic science to understand the underlying immune responses and molecular mechanisms involved.
Research finds that young larvae emit specific pheromones influencing adult bee behavior, leading to increased pollen collection and reduced foragers returning empty. This discovery could benefit agricultural enterprises by optimizing pollination services through colony management.
Researchers found that pesticide exposure causes changes in gene expression that are sensitive to diet and nutrition. Feeding bees a complex diet of pollen improves their resistance to lethal doses of pesticides.
Researchers found that adults rely on novel genes---called taxonomically restricted genes (TRGs)--found in honeybees to develop new traits. These genes are often expressed at high levels in specific tissues and provide specialized work for adult organisms, supporting the evolution of novel physiological traits.
Scientists at Brigham Young University have developed a natural treatment using phages to protect baby bees from American Foulbrood, a deadly disease that kills off larvae and leads to hive collapse. The researchers identified five phage candidates for honeybee treatment, providing a potential alternative to antibiotics.
The Entomological Society of America has awarded ten graduate students with AFRI travel grants to attend Entomology 2014 in Portland, Oregon. The winners include Heather Connelly, Adam Dale, Carrie Deans, and Michael Garvey, who will receive funding for research opportunities, presentations, and networking.
The 2014 ESA awards honored Dr. John C. Palumbo for his translational research and outreach program, providing innovative insect management solutions in desert vegetable crops. Dr. Peter C. Ellsworth received the Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management for his work on IPM science-based solutions and cotton agroecosystem rese...
Researchers identified lactic acid bacteria in honey that effectively counteracted severe human wound pathogens and persistent horse wounds. The bacteria produce a broad spectrum of antimicrobial compounds as needed, depending on the threat.
Researchers found that Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) is the most affected virus species by Varroa infestation, while Kashmir Bee Virus (KBV) peaks two years after initial infestation and disappears. The study highlights the importance of beekeeper awareness, mite monitoring, and efficient Varroa control.
The study found that fipronil and imidacloprid inhibit mitochondrial bioenergetics in honeybees, leading to depleted cell energy and impaired flight muscles. This effect can contribute to the inability of bees to forage and return to their hives.
Researchers have discovered that interfering with a basic metabolic pathway in insect brains can increase aggression in fruit flies and honey bees. The team found that suppressing key genes involved in energy generation leads to increased aggression, but this effect is lost in chronically stressed individuals.
Bumblebees can form associative relationships between floral features and pollen quality, allowing them to quickly select the best flowers for food. This ability enables bees to efficiently find nutritious pollen, crucial for rearing their young, by recognizing color cues on petals.
Researchers tracked hundreds of honey bees using RFID tags, discovering that some foraging bees are much busier than others. When these busy bees disappear, others take their place, forming a 'reserve force'. The study, published in Animal Behaviour, sheds light on hive dynamics and the role of individual variation.
Researchers tracked changes in gene activity when Western honey bees eat different diets, finding significant differences between those eating honey and those consuming sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup. Gene expression changes support the potential role of diet in maintaining bee health.
Researchers found that bee tongues can be predicted by body size and taxonomic relationships, providing a valuable proxy for ecology studies. The study highlights the importance of tongue length in understanding species behavior, resilience, and invasiveness.
Research by Aarhus University scientists reveals that locally adapted honey bees are better equipped to handle environmental challenges and produce more honey. The study found that colonies with local queen strains lived 83 days longer than those with foreign queens, suggesting a critical role for genetic adaptation in bee survival.
A study published in Functional Ecology found that long-term pesticide exposure hampers bumblebees' ability to collect pollen. Bees exposed to neonicotinoid pesticides became less successful at collecting pollen and developed different flower preferences over time.
Some bees in Brazil use loud signals to deter competitors, a counterintuitive strategy that's successful in warding off rivals. This study reveals how eavesdropping can influence the evolution of animal communication signals.
Researchers found that birds consume the male reproductive organs while visiting Axinaea flowers, which are attracted by sugar-rich stamen-appendages. This unique mechanism involves a complex 'bellows' organ for pollen dispersal and differs from known bird pollination systems.
Researchers found that bumblebees can differentiate between rewarding and aversive artificial flowers based on their polarization patterns. The bees' ability to recognize these patterns helps them identify suitable flowers for obtaining a food reward.
A recent study found that tree bumblebee queens from Europe outcompeted native bees in the UK by resisting a parasite infection. Despite low genetic diversity and high levels of nematode parasites, 25% of queens produced offspring.
Researchers analyzed honeybee waggle dances to evaluate EU agri-environment schemes, finding they benefit bees. The study used a novel source of data to monitor large land areas and provide information on landscape quality.
The first termite genome has been published, revealing new insights into the molecular underpinning of complex societies in termites. The study found expanded gene families involved in spermatogenesis and a different repertoire of chemoreceptor genes compared to other insect genomes.
Research from North Carolina State University found that more diverse bee species improve blueberry yield by $311 per acre, with a total value of $1.42 million annually. The study suggests that differences in weather tolerance among bee groups contribute to this benefit.
A new study found that low doses of two widely used neonicotinoid insecticides significantly harm honey bee colonies during colder winters. The research suggests that the pesticides impair bees' neurological functions, leading to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).
New Jersey Institute of Technology researchers are investigating how climate change may disrupt the vital relationship between bees and plants, which could lead to poor crop pollination and lower yields. The study, supported by a $150,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, aims to understand how temperature changes may affect ...
Researchers discovered that a subset of immune cells called Th22 acts as a tumor helper, supporting colon cancer cells in renewing and developing stem cell properties. The study suggests targeting the pathway involving epigenetic factor DOT1L to potentially treat colon cancer.
Researchers found that the amounts of certain neuropeptides in bees' brains vary by time and location, mirroring their changing roles. The study suggests that these peptides have functions related to age-related division of labor in honeybees.