A new study on 150-year-old museum specimens of Western honey bees found higher genetic diversity than expected, contradicting the notion that loss of genetic diversity contributes to bee decline. The research suggests that unique mating systems and migration patterns may help maintain high levels of variation in modern hives.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateDec 7, 2020
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A study by University of California San Diego biologists demonstrates that honey bees use a contagious and honest visual signal to deter Asian hornet attacks. The 'I see you' (ISY) signal involves guard bees shaking their abdomens laterally, increasing in intensity as the threat intensifies.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateDec 7, 2020
A team of researchers discovered detailed similarities between the social networks of honey bees and humans, which can be explained by new theoretical modeling. The study reveals individual differences between honey bees, just like humans, and shows that these patterns are universal across species.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020
A study on honey bees found that individual differences in social interactions lead to universal patterns of behavior across species. Genetically related bees show fewer individual differences than humans, but still exhibit some variation in interaction frequency and food sharing.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020
A new study found that wildfire disturbance increases the importance of flowering-plant species in determining pollinator composition, while also enhancing the value of pollinators in determining plant composition. The findings suggest that controlling wildfires is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateNov 25, 2020
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A team of researchers has created a comprehensive map of bee species globally, identifying more species in the Northern Hemisphere and arid environments. The study also reveals a bimodal latitudinal gradient pattern, where diversity increases towards the tropics and decreases towards the poles.
Researchers found that solitary red mason bee females emerge with a mature circadian clock, allowing them to forage and care for offspring daily. In contrast, social honeybees have a delayed maturation of their internal clock, explaining their age-related behavioral shifts.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateNov 16, 2020
Researchers studied the use of plastic in nest construction by leaf-cutter bees and found it could change the environment of their nests. They suggest using natural fibers instead to avoid harmful effects on the insects.
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Two Australian bee species have been identified as having adapted their vision for night-time conditions, allowing them to forage in darkness. The study found that these bees develop enlarged compound and simple eyes, enabling them to gather more light than their daytime counterparts.
SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateOct 30, 2020
Burt's Bees presents research on bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, with anti-inflammatory properties and improved skin health. The company also highlights the effectiveness of a natural lip balm containing turmeric in providing therapeutic benefits for dry or compromised lips.
Genome sequencing reveals a gradual decline in African ancestry across hundreds of miles as bees approach climate barriers. The study suggests that climate is the primary factor limiting the spread of Africanized bees, with colder winters posing a survival challenge.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 21, 2020
Researchers found significant increases in floral abundance and wild bee diversity in spruce beetle-affected forests, compared to similar, undisturbed forests. This is good news for wild bee communities, which have been declining in recent years.
SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 15, 2020
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Honey bees rely on chemical cues from shared gut microbial communities to recognize nestmates, rather than genetic relatedness. This study shows that a bee's particular cuticular hydrocarbon profile is dependent on its microbiome.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 14, 2020
Research found that native milkweed cultivars planted by the public can attract and support monarchs, as well as other pollinators like bees. The study's results suggest that these cultivars are just as attractive and suitable for monarchs as their wild-type counterparts.
A new study found that pesticide exposure and limited forage reduced blue orchard bee reproduction by 57%, with females producing fewer offspring. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple stressors on bee populations in agricultural systems.
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A Rutgers-led study reveals that small water droplets on plant leaves are rich in carbohydrates and proteins, essential for insect survival. This discovery has profound implications for the conservation of beneficial insects and could reduce pest problems in various crops.
A new study reveals that bees use a strategy of analyzing statistical properties to identify underlying structure, similar to deep learning in AI. This discovery suggests universality and efficiency in automatic statistical learning, inspiring improvements in AI.
SourceCentral European University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020
Researchers found that honeybees use a simple counting-based model to learn from visual scenes, unlike humans who employ complex probabilistic learning to recognize patterns. This difference may contribute to human superiority in cognitive capacities.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020
The study predicts the Asian giant hornet's potential spread in the US, including down the west coast, and globally to parts of Africa, Europe, Australia, and South America. Suitable habitats include regions with warm summers, mild winters, and high rainfall.
SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2020
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Researchers found that scent-trained honeybees visited sunflowers more often and brought back more pollen, resulting in a 29-57% increase in seed production. This approach could improve pollination efficiency for crops like almonds, pears, and apples.
A study by researchers at the University of Göttingen found that bumblebees thrive in faba bean fields, with populations more than twice as high as in non-bean landscapes. In contrast, other wild bees do not benefit from faba bean cultivation but rely on semi-natural habitats for survival.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 10, 2020
Researchers discovered elevated markers associated with heat stress and pesticide exposure in failed queens from B.C., suggesting temperature fluctuations during transportation and potential pesticide effects may contribute to queen bee failure. A diagnostic test is proposed to help beekeepers understand and prevent this issue.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBMC Genomics·DateSep 8, 2020
A team of Brazilian researchers has completed the sequencing of Frieseomelitta varia, a native stingless bee species with economic interest as a pollinator. The study reveals conserved ancestral traits and regulatory functions in noncoding RNAs linked to the workers' sterility, providing valuable insights into social insect evolution.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBMC Genomics·DateAug 31, 2020
A study from Lund University found that population density, not vegetation cover, has the biggest impact on species richness of pollinators in residential areas. Urban environments with high population densities have fewer species of wild bees and hoverflies.
SourceLund University·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateAug 25, 2020
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A study found that climate change is causing a phenological mismatch between bees and flowers, with bees emerging later than flowers reach their peak flowering time. This disruption has the potential to reduce abundance of pollinators and plants, leading to reduced fitness losses for mutualist species.
SourceUtah State University·JournalEcology Letters·DateAug 19, 2020
Researchers found that if 40% of landowners provide space for wild bee habitat, they lose $1M but generate nearly $2.5M for their neighbors. Collaboration among neighboring farmers could lead to increased benefits.
SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalPeople and Nature·DateAug 18, 2020
A new study reveals that city-dwelling bumblebees are larger and more productive than their rural counterparts due to fragmented habitats. This increase in body size may be linked to improved pollination services, as larger bees can see better, learn faster, and travel further.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateAug 17, 2020
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Honey bees from highly polluted sites in India show reduced survival rates and altered physiological characteristics, indicating air pollution's negative impact on their health. The study suggests that air pollution may also affect ecosystem services, highlighting the need for further research to address this issue.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020
A recent study found that air pollution in Bangalore City leads to lower flower visitation rates and altered physiological responses in Giant Asian honey bees. The research suggests widespread negative impacts on these critical pollinators, threatening India's food security and ecosystems.
SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020
Researchers found that flower buzzing produced forces of over 50G, five times that experienced by fighter jet pilots, and suggests bees use specific types of buzzing vibrations for certain tasks. This discovery provides important insight into the pollination process and how flowers coevolved with bees.
SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 29, 2020
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
African carder bees have been spotted in Western Australia for the first time, according to Curtin University research. The invasive species was previously recorded in Queensland and has since spread throughout eastern Australia, raising concerns about its potential impact on native ecosystems.
SourceCurtin University·JournalPacific Conservation Biology·DateJul 29, 2020
Research from UBC's PCIGR analyzed honey samples from Parisian hives collected after the April 2019 Notre Dame Cathedral fire. Lead concentrations were up to four times higher than pre-fire levels, suggesting exposure to lead contamination. The study provides a unique method for tracing environmental pollution using honey.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJul 29, 2020
Researchers Rebecca Lybrand and her team studied the interaction between ground-nesting bees and soils in agricultural settings. They found that active nesting sites were present in locations with little to no rock cover and low vegetation, which may provide a suitable habitat for these pollinators.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJul 29, 2020
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A Rutgers-led study reveals that US crop yields for apples, cherries, and blueberries are being reduced due to a lack of pollinators. The research highlights the critical role of wild bees and honeybees in pollination and suggests that adopting practices to conserve or augment these species could boost yields.
A Cornell University study found that one in eight individual bees had at least one parasite, with social bees more susceptible to infection. The researchers identified five common parasites transmitted through flowers, highlighting the importance of flower abundance and bee diversity in controlling disease spread.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 23, 2020
Research suggests that having more flowers and a more diverse bee community could reduce the spread of bee parasites. The study found that when bee communities are at their most diverse, the proportion of infected bees is lowest, and when flowers are at their most abundant, fewer are likely to act as transmission hubs.
SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 22, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A recent study has identified trehalulose, a rare sugar in native stingless bee honey, as having a low glycaemic index and not causing tooth decay. This discovery strengthens the market for stingless bee honey and creates new opportunities for its use in food products.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 2020
Researchers developed the APIStrip tool to sample contaminants in honeybee colonies without disrupting their normal routine. The method uses a polystyrene strip with Tenax to detect up to 442 kinds of pesticides, including residues from beekeepers' treatments and plant protection products.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 17, 2020
A York University study reveals that 94% of wild bee and native plant species networks have been disrupted, with 30% completely lost. Climate change and habitat destruction are major drivers of this loss, while native plants and bees can still be found in some areas.
SourceYork University·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateJul 14, 2020
A growing evidence suggests a fungal pathogen known as Nosema is infecting native bees worldwide, with little known about its impact on these species. This infection threatens pollination and ecosystems, as native bees contribute to agricultural crop pollination and play a crucial role in local ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 9, 2020
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A study tracked queen bumblebees' movements as they established nests, revealing changes in habitat selection and diet preferences. The findings suggest that diversified landscapes support bumblebee colonies by meeting their changing needs during different phases of their lifecycle.
Researchers identified over 1,100 genetic variants associated with colony-wide aggression levels in response to simulated attacks. A chromosomal region containing genes involved in brain development was found to be strongly linked to the evolution of gentler Africanized honey bees.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020
Researchers found strong correlations between a colony's defensiveness and specific gene frequencies, rather than individual bee's genes. The study suggests that the home environment, such as island living with human populations, may be a better predictor of gentleness in honey bees.
SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A new study found that genomic traits of the hive are strongly associated with how fiercely its soldiers attack. The research suggests that the genetic makeup of the society, not individual bee genetics, plays a key role in aggression.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020
Researchers at York University found that the mixing of African and European genetics led to hyper-aggression in invasive African hybrid honey bees (AHB). The study sequenced genomes of AHB colonies and identified mutations associated with their aggressive behavior.
SourceYork University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateJul 5, 2020
Chronic exposure to thiamethoxam has negative impacts on black garden ants, compromising colony survivorship. The study highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to prevent damage to natural ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 1, 2020
Research by the University of Göttingen found that wild bees depend on landscape structure, with small fields and organic areas providing benefits for bumblebee colonies. Flower strips in conventional cereal fields also attract pollinators, highlighting the importance of agri-environmental schemes that consider landscape structure.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 30, 2020
Researchers studying Western bumblebee decline identify multiple factors contributing to the species' decline. The study provides critical information on the species' range, gaps in knowledge, and conservation strategies.
SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 29, 2020
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Researchers found that ancestors of distinctive Australian pollinating bees likely originated in tropical Asian countries, islands in the south-west Pacific or greater Oceania region. This study aims to better understand the origin and radiation of insects and other animals, helping environmental management during changing climates.
SourceFlinders University·JournalTransactions of the Royal Society of South Australia·DateJun 26, 2020
Beekeepers across the US lost 43.7% of their colonies in 2019-2020, with summer losses being the highest ever recorded at 32.0%. Winter losses were lower than usual, but commercial beekeepers struggled the most due to queen health and poor management practices.
The study found that exposure to Transform and Sivanto pesticides shortens honeybee lifespan and causes physiological stress. Researchers suggest that more information be put on the labels of these products and further studies be conducted on sublethal effects of chronic exposure.
SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 16, 2020
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Researchers at Edith Cowan University have discovered a plant that has evolved to use ants as pollinating agents by adapting its pollen grains to overcome ant antimicrobial defences. This is the first plant species found to benefit from this mutually beneficial relationship.
SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateJun 10, 2020
A team of researchers found that sweat bees switch from solitary to social behavior by repurposing ancient genes, challenging the long-held assumption that new genetic variants are always necessary for evolution. The study provides evidence that environmental influences can drive the evolution of complex traits like social behavior.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020
Research suggests that bees specializing in allogrooming exhibit stronger immune systems, which may enable them to withstand higher infection risks. Allogroomer bees occupy central positions in the colony's social network, benefiting a large number of bees.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 2, 2020
Researchers found that bumblebee damage stimulates flower production in plants, accelerating their blooming. This phenomenon may help overcome challenges posed by climate change, which threatens to disrupt timing of mutualistic relationships between plants and insect pollinators.
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New video technique reveals altered nursing behaviour and retarded larval development in neonicotinoid-treated honey bees. This affects their social interactions and increases the risk of parasite infestation, such as Varroa mite.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 26, 2020
Researchers demonstrate that locally observed robot distribution can correlate with environmental features, such as exits in office-like environments. This approach enables trapped office workers to navigate their way out of a collapsed building, even in scenarios where robots lack communication or sensors.
SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMay 25, 2020
A new Cornell University study found that 65% of bee species and 75% of flower species carried pathogens, with diseases transmitted between bees and flowers. In simplified landscapes with more farmland, the dominant bumblebee species spread pathogens across many more flowers, reducing individual bee exposure to new pathogens.
SourceCornell University·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 14, 2020
A new study by UMass Amherst and NC State biologists found that flower strips benefit common Eastern bumblebees despite some plants increasing pathogen infection rates. The researchers created three conditions with canola plants and different types of flower strips, showing that bees reproduce more with flower strips than without.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2020
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A UCL study reveals that moths transport pollen from a wide range of plants, including those rarely visited by bees and butterflies, contributing to crop yields and plant diversity. Moth pollen transport networks are larger and more complex than daytime pollinators.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 12, 2020