Articles tagged with Bees
Researchers developed a sustainable solution to help tackle honeybee decline by creating an engineered food supplement. The new feed, designed to provide essential compounds found in plant pollen, significantly enhances colony reproduction.
A large census of dikes in the Netherlands revealed that more bee species live on dikes than previously thought, with 154 different species found. The researchers found that flower-rich dikes attract many more bees, especially endangered species, due to the variety of plants and nesting sites.
Research reveals that high temperatures and exposure to heavy metals reduce the frequency and pitch of non-flight wing vibrations in bees. This affects their communication, defense, and buzz-pollination abilities, which are crucial for plant reproduction and biodiversity.
A new study found that honey bees extract nearly 80% of available pollen in a day, leaving little for native bee species. This exploitation could lead to population declines and disruption of ecosystem balance.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and UK identified a set of flower mixtures that attract both pollinators and delight the human eye. The study found that seed mixes containing species like yarrow, cornflower, and purple viper's bugloss establish themselves better in soil and bloom for longer.
Researchers Dr. Liam Duffy and Dr. Kaira Wagoner have received new R&D grants from NCInnovation to develop groundbreaking instruments and tools, including a quadropole mass Starkometer for analyzing isomers and a pheromone-based tool for measuring honey bee colony mite resistance.
A study found that droughts can decrease nectar calories in zucchini flowers by up to 95%, harming pollinators and plants. Increased rainfall can positively affect nectar calorie production, but heavy rainfall events can have devastating consequences for ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered that Australian native bee honey exhibits remarkable antimicrobial properties, effective even after heat treatment and long-term storage. This unique feature makes it a promising alternative to synthetic antibiotics, with the potential to complement or replace them in therapeutic frameworks.
Researchers at Penn State uncovered the molecular mechanisms controlling how genes inherited from the father and mother determine a honey bee larva's fate. They found that patrigenes were expressed at higher levels in queen-destined larvae, while matrigenes were expressed at higher levels in worker-destined larvae.
A study by UC Riverside reveals that bumble bee queens pause egg-laying after a burst of activity, likely in response to cues from their developing brood, and typically resume production within 1.5 days when pupae are present.
Researchers analyzed video clips of bumblebee visits to lousewort flowers, revealing a unique
Native bee species play diverse roles in Australian ecosystems, from pollination services to hosting parasitoids and parasites. Dr. Prendergast's research emphasizes the importance of conserving these unique species and provides guidance on how individuals can support their protection.
A new report identifies emerging threats to pollinators, including war zones, microplastic particles, and light pollution. The top 12 threats are outlined, along with steps to protect pollinators, such as transitioning to electric vehicles and creating flower-rich habitats within solar parks.
A study by Curtin University reveals that high densities of European honey bees harm Australian native bees' 'fitness' through reduced reproductive success and altered key traits. In areas with higher honey bee densities, native bees produce fewer female offspring and have higher mortality rates.
A team of Australian researchers has discovered 71 new native bee species belonging to the resin pot bees, expanding our knowledge of these unique insects. The discovery brings the total number of known resin pot bee species to 78, with many still unknown to science due to funding constraints.
A study by University of Würzburg researchers found that a balanced diet with diverse pollen is crucial for honeybee survival during winter. The team discovered that areas with high agricultural use provide bees with higher pollen diversity in autumn, while near-natural areas have greater pollen diversity in summer.
Bees are severely affected by heat and land use, with populations in forests coping better than urban relatives, which saw a 65% decline.
A new study finds that incorporating bird observation data with land cover information provides more accurate predictions of wild bee species richness. This approach can help guide conservation efforts for wild bees, which are experiencing widespread population declines.
A new study analyzing over 175 scientific reviews found that agricultural intensification is a major driver of insect decline, but climate change has multiple individual drivers such as extreme precipitation and temperature. The research highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to conserve insect biodiversity.
A study by the University of Konstanz found that individual bees within a colony exhibit different stinging behaviors, with some defending and others remaining calm. Social factors play a role, but personality is a key factor in determining group dynamics.
Scientists developed a nutritionally complete feed to sustain honey bee colonies, containing all necessary nutrients. The new food source thrived in field trials, reducing colony mortality and increasing survival rates.
Researchers found that common urban pollinator plants like white clover and bindweed accumulate toxic metals from contaminated soils, posing a risk to bee health. To mitigate this, scientists recommend testing soil for metals before planting wildflowers and choosing plant species suitable for the local conditions.
Bumblebees closer to honeybee hives are more likely to attract voracious wax moths, resulting in lower reproductive output and weaker immune response. Conservationists and beekeepers should avoid placing apiaries in areas with high pollinator biodiversity or declining bumblebee populations.
Researchers found that flower constancy is an optimal strategy balancing cognitive and travel costs, not just a memory constraint. Bees decrease constancy when flowers have similar colors or are clustered, but maintain high constancy in mixed environments.
Researchers found the UBeeO test can identify colonies resistant to several pests and pathogens that can decimate bee populations. The test mimics the pheromones emitted by sick or dying bees, allowing for a more selective and realistic assessment of hygienic behavior in honey bees.
Utah State University ecologists Joseph Wilson and Anthony Hunsaker published a checklist of the state's bee species, documenting 1,167 species and estimating up to 1,500 in total. The study highlights Utah's high bee diversity and provides valuable information for conservation efforts.
Research suggests that flowering plants' tendency to reward pollinators with nectar is heritable and influenced by flower size and sugar content. Bees prefer honest flower genotypes, benefiting the plant through increased seed production.
Research by Kobe University reveals that restoring abandoned grasslands requires at least 75 years of continuous management to regain plant diversity. Pollinators also take time to adapt, with generalist insects like flies and hoverflies dominating recently restored sites.
A new study using landscape transcriptomics identifies genetic signatures of stressors in bumble bees, suggesting this approach could accelerate conservation efforts for at-risk species. The method accurately identified stressors such as heat and cold, even in wild bees, with high accuracy rates.
A study published in Ecological Applications found that a diversity of corolla sizes in urban flower communities positively impacts wild bee biodiversity. Researchers from Concordia University collected data from 16 sites around Montreal and identified 94 different species of bees and almost 150 different species of flowers.
A study of Asian hornets found over 1,400 different species in their guts, including a wide range of bees, wasps, and insects. The diet varied strongly over the seasons and between regions, showing that they are highly flexible predators.
A new consensus report on anaphylaxis has been released, providing updated clinical criteria and guidelines for diagnosing and treating the condition. The report includes distinct infant findings to improve management in young children, addressing a significant burden on patients and caregivers worldwide.
A study found that low doses of pesticide imidacloprid can improve the survival of bumble bee queens in diapause, but this effect comes at a cost to their long-term fitness. Researchers are calling for further study on these hormetic responses to better understand their impact.
Researchers found that individual honeybee dance styles, rather than consistency, contribute to successful food foraging. Bees with diverse communication methods were more likely to recruit others who successfully found food.
A new sensor-based technology allows for early warnings of hive temperature fluctuations, enabling beekeepers to take preventive action. The system has proven its effectiveness in detecting conditions requiring intervention, and further development is underway to create automated climate controls.
Research found that native bee populations decreased in abundance and diversity when managed honey bees were introduced, but rebounded when apiaries were removed. Native bee phylogenetic diversity increased in areas with managed honey bees due to lower competition for resources.
A recent study reveals that smaller arable fields and organic farming are crucial for maintaining high pollinator diversity in calcareous grasslands. The research team found that these factors significantly increase the abundance of flowers, nesting sites, and various wild insect species, particularly endangered ones.
Researchers from the University of Liège successfully used frozen semen to produce female bees, offering a new avenue for bee conservation and agriculture. The simple, antibiotic-free protocol allows for the preservation of valuable genetic lines and supports breeding programmes.
Researchers found that more than a third of beekeepers deviate from recommended treatment guidelines, leading to exacerbated colony losses. Adhering to specific timeframes for treatments can significantly reduce honey bee mortality caused by the parasitic Varroa mite.
Researchers are investigating the impact of virus infections on honeybee health, including flight performance and heat shock stress response. The team is also exploring potential supplements to boost immune strength and reduce virus infections in honeybees.
Researchers develop a system to track bees' time out of their hives, revealing that most trips last mere minutes but some can spend over two hours collecting pollen. The technology enables more comprehensive observations, potentially altering the way organic beekeeping standards are set.
A new study shows distinct effects of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure in different bumble bee body parts, highlighting the need for more sensitive safety testing. The researchers found dramatic differences in gene activity across body tissues, affecting brain, legs, and kidney-like tissues in unique ways.
Researchers found that horned-face bees prioritize flower quantity, while alfalfa leafcutting bees focus on nutritional quality. This study highlights the need to understand seasonal foraging habits among various bee species to support pollination and plant reproduction.
A new study confirms the UK's effective action against the invasive Asian hornet has prevented its establishment. The invasive species, which devastates honeybee colonies in France and Italy, was first reported in the UK in 2016 but has not spread due to rapid eradication efforts by authorities and vigilant citizens.
A study by the University of the Basque Country has optimized the conservation of Asian hornet baits, extending their service life to at least 14 days when refrigerated with CO2. This method helps control the invasive species, which is a predator of honey bees and causes significant economic losses.
A new study from Tulane University analyzed 260 honey samples from 48 states for toxic metals, finding regional differences in contamination levels. The highest arsenic and cobalt levels were found in Pacific Northwest and Southeastern honeys, respectively, while lead was detected in Carolinas honeys.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that diverse landscapes with good connectivity between quarries and calcareous grasslands support wild bees. Large, old, and flower-rich quarries are particularly valuable habitats for endangered species.
Research reveals that certain soil microbes can enhance flower size, resulting in increased bee visitations, but high colonization levels may lead to smaller flowers. The study focuses on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associations with plant roots and their impact on floral traits and pollinator interactions.
A Curtin University study uses eDNA metabarcoding to track insect interactions with avocado flowers, detecting five times more unique pest species than digital video recordings. This method could help improve yields and make agricultural operations more efficient by identifying beneficial pollinators and pests.
A study in Warsaw, Poland found no difference in insect-pollinated plant composition or species richness between sown and natural meadows. However, natural meadows had twice the number of butterflies compared to sown meadows.
A new study found that artificial light significantly disrupts the circadian rhythms of honey bees, leading to impaired behaviors and reduced sleep periods. This poses a threat to their essential role as pollinators, supporting ecosystem stability and global food security.
Research by an international team found that birds, bees, and bats working together increased macadamia nut production by up to four times, while reducing insect infestation by 40%. The effectiveness of these ecosystem services depends on altitude and natural habitats.
A new study by Utah State University researchers suggests tens of millions of bees may perish every day as motorists zoom down busy highways. The team used sticky traps attached to car bumpers and extrapolated the data based on Department of Transportation statistics.
Researchers found that honey bees create symmetrical patterns in their nests, with contents mirrored on both sides. This symmetry benefits the colony and is found across all species of honey bees studied.
Researchers at Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf have identified the doublesex gene as the key to understanding how honey bees exhibit complex cooperative behavior. The study found that this gene programs specific behaviors in individual bees, including tasks such as caring for larvae and foraging for food.
Researchers confirm beehive fences as highly effective in reducing human-elephant conflict, deterring 76-86.3% of elephants from raiding crops during peak seasons. However, ongoing habitat degradation and droughts may compromise the long-term effectiveness of this nature-based solution.
A revolutionary robotic system developed by Durham University and international partners enables 24/7 monitoring of queen bees and their interactions with worker bees. Researchers have extracted valuable data on bee behavior, revealing insights into the social self-regulation within bee colonies.
A new study explores clauses in pollination contracts that could make them more appealing to beekeepers, including pesticide protection and cover crop options. Beekeepers valued these features, particularly those protecting against pesticide exposure, with discounts ranging from $6 to $8 per colony.
The study found that adding fall blooming plants can alleviate stressors on wild bees caused by developed land and urban beekeeping. Planting late-season forage and leaving bare ground as nesting resources can help.
A study published in Nature Sustainability has found an antidote to neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides killing bees. The treatment involves tiny ingestible microparticles that physically bind to the pesticide, leading to 30% higher survival rates and reduced symptoms in bumblebees.