Articles tagged with Bees
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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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
Research found that combining neonicotinoids with fungicides significantly increased mortality of bee larvae, while also affecting adult honeybee survival rates and lifespan. The study suggests that solitary wild bees may be more vulnerable to pesticide effects due to their smaller colony size.
A recent study by University of Bristol scientists found that the novel pesticide flupyradifurone is lethal to mason bees at field-realistic concentrations. The research also revealed sublethal effects on bees, including reduced nesting behavior and lower survival rates.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the diversity and abundance of flowers in a garden, rather than its surroundings, have a greater impact on attracting pollinators. The researchers discovered that providing blooms all season long is crucial for promoting local pollinator communities.
A new study found a strong correlation between pesticide use and fewer wild bee sightings, suggesting a direct link between pesticide exposure and bee population declines. Alternative pest control strategies, such as integrated pest management, are essential for conserving these crucial pollinators.
A new study by MLU and UG found that organic farming, flower strips, and semi-natural habitats improve bee health. Organic fields had the greatest impact, reducing parasite infestation and boosting colony growth.
Researchers found that honey bees consistently had higher levels of viruses than bumble bees, suggesting they may be reinfecting native bee communities each spring. Good honey bee colony management is crucial for healthy pollinator communities.
Researchers at Cranfield University have developed two new methods to authenticate UK honey: one using Spatial Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) and the other employing DNA barcoding. The SORS method detects sugar syrups with high accuracy, while DNA barcoding identifies syrups even at low adulteration levels.
A new study reveals that a balanced diet is essential for honeybees' optimal health and task performance. An unbalanced diet with a high omega-6:3 ratio delays the onset of nursing, reduces nursing frequency, and alters care for larvae.
A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.
Scientists have developed a near chromosome-level genome for the Mojave poppy bee, which is a specialist pollinator of conservation concern. The genome assembly will help researchers understand the bee's biological traits, including host-plant specialization and susceptibility to pesticides.
Scientists identified plants that provide a complete and healthy diet for bees, including roses, clovers, red raspberries, and tall buttercups. The study found that a diverse floral diet is best for most bees, with no single plant species optimal for generalist wild bee health.
A recent study reveals that some honeybees exhibit superior learning abilities compared to others, which may be attributed to distinct gene expression patterns in their brains. The research explores the behavioral and genetic underpinnings of individual differences in learning performance among Apis mellifera.
A study found that pesticides imidacloprid, pyraclostrobin, and glyphosate impair the mobility and immune system of Brazilian native stingless bees. Even if bees survive exposure to these pesticides, their immune systems are weakened, making them more prone to infections and increasing the risk of colony collapse.
Beekeepers who used a combination of Varroa mite treatments had higher winter colony survival rates than those using single treatments. Integrated pest management strategies also improved colony survival in harsh weather conditions.
Researchers found that communities with more artificial structures and wealthier neighborhoods have fewer species of bees. Landscaping practices and plant types may contribute to lower biodiversity.
A study found that the sweat bee H. rubicundus is less sociable in Scotland than in Cornwall, exhibiting genetic differentiation and isolation. The authors explored this phenomenon in the context of the species' adaptability to extreme latitudes.
A new study by York University finds that community science programs, such as Bumble Bee Watch, play a crucial role in monitoring bumble bee distributions and detecting endangered species. The program provides valuable data on bee populations, habitats, and distribution patterns, complementing traditional scientific methods.
A new study reveals that fungi associated with bee bread have unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in the acidic environment. The researchers found that one strain of Aspergillus flavus can withstand extreme pH levels and propolis, which has fungicidal properties.
Research detects declines in bees and butterflies in western and southern North America due to environmental change and habitat loss. The study identifies regions of concern and highlights the need for conservation efforts and improved monitoring methods.
A new study finds significant variation in pollinator attractiveness among annual flower cultivars, with some varieties drawing in more insects than others. Begonia and impatiens cultivars were found to be particularly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
The study found that variation in heat tolerance is influenced by size, sex, and infection status of the bees. Body size and environmental temperature have context- and sex-dependent effects on heat tolerance. Parasite infection also plays a role, particularly among female bees.
Rising global temperatures are driving up nest temperatures, compromising bumblebees' ability to construct livable nests. Bumblebee colonies may struggle to adapt to these conditions, leading to a decline in population and range.
A new study reveals that honey bees are exposed to an average of 23 stressors at once, creating 307 interactions that impact bee health. The researchers found that social media influencers – viruses and pesticides – have a significant impact on the architecture of the complex network.
Researchers found that diverse native wildflower plantings increase flower resources for pollinators, with higher abundance and diversity in heterogeneous landscapes. The study emphasizes the importance of maintaining wildflower plantings for multiple years to maximize floral diversity.
A recent study on orchid bees in the Brazilian Amazon found that deforestation significantly impacted bee populations, with some species dwindling in just 10-17 years. The research, conducted in the 1990s, also revealed new species and highlights the importance of protecting rainforests.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified the most effective AI method for monitoring insect populations using bioacoustics, with deep learning models achieving high accuracy. The study found that machine and deep learning are becoming the gold standards for automated bioacoustics modeling.
The study revealed three genetically distinct populations of rusty-patched bumblebees, highlighting the need for tailored conservation efforts. The analysis showed low colony abundance and high rates of inbreeding, threatening the long-term viability of the species.
Researchers have developed VespAI, an automated system that attracts hornets to a monitoring station and captures standardized images using an overhead camera. The system uses AI algorithm to identify the species with almost perfect accuracy, allowing authorities to mount a rapid response.
Native wild bees are vital for pollination and have a significant impact on crop productivity. A recent study found that increasing wild pollinator habitat could provide additional nutrition for 30 million people annually and increase farmer income by up to $3 billion every year.
A sample of almost 4,000 haiku references butterflies, bees, ants, and flies most frequently, describing their color, flight patterns, and ecology. The study provides new insights into the diversity and complexity of arthropod references in traditional Japanese poetry.
Researchers discovered how honeybees interpret dances that relay directions to food, even in complete darkness. By analyzing bee movements and antennae signals, scientists found a neural mechanism that combines sensory data from the two systems.
Scientists have discovered a new, rare osmiine bee species in the French Alps with an unusual geographic distribution spanning over 2000 km to Turkey and Northern Iraq. The species has unique ecological characteristics, including distinct nesting behavior in dead wood.
Research suggests that warmer fall seasons may lead to colony collapse in honey bees due to increased flying time. However, cold storage for colonies could help reduce the risk of colony collapse by allowing bees to cluster earlier and save workers.
Bee colonies face a critical 'hungry gap' when recommended pollinator plants start blooming too late in the spring, resulting in low colony survival and queen production. Adding early-blooming species like ground ivy and red dead-nettle to existing hedgerows can improve colony success rates significantly.
Researchers found that bumblebees can learn multi-step tasks through social interaction, even when struggling individually. The study revealed that bees could acquire complex behaviors beyond their individual cognitive capabilities, challenging the traditional view of human exclusivity in social learning.
Wild stingless bee colonies in the Colombian Andes develop tolerance to the insecticide abamectin, which is derived from cattle medication ivermectin. Despite high concentrations of abamectin being lethal to bees, tolerant colonies grow at similar rates as non-tolerant ones
Research shows that invasive Asian honeybee population in North Queensland has overcome a genetic bottleneck to grow into a thriving colony. The study highlights the importance of this case for understanding population resilience and provides insights into how some species can adapt quickly despite low genetic diversity.
A team of scientists has discovered eight new species of Hylaeus masked bees in the Pacific islands, including French Polynesia. The study reveals that these tiny bees likely rafted between islands via Fiji and the southwest Pacific, solving a long-standing mystery about their origins.
Two new Pacific bee species and insights into Fijian bird behavior have been described in recent scientific studies led by Flinders University. The research highlights the potential for species discovery, ecological knowledge, and cultural engagement from Asia-Pacific collaborations.
A new study shows that UK solar parks, if managed correctly, can support insect pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The availability of a diverse range of flowering plant species within the solar farms is crucial for increased pollinator abundance and biodiversity.