Articles tagged with Bees
Research shows microalgae Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) closely matches pollen's essential amino acids and lipids required by honey bees. Spirulina also contains prebiotics supporting healthy gut bacteria growth.
A study found that flowering strips benefit bumble bee colony reproduction by providing floral resources, but also increases the risk of a certain pathogen infection rate. However, the impact on foraging behavior and mortality was not significant.
Researchers found that high-infection plant species in flowering strips increase pathogen intensity in bumble bee colonies. However, exposure to these strips also boosts bee reproduction, highlighting the complex relationship between food resources and disease in pollinators.
Researchers have discovered a gene responsible for virgin births in Cape honey bees, allowing workers to lay female eggs without sex. This discovery has significant implications for understanding evolutionary transitions and potentially controlling asexual reproduction.
A new study reveals the emergence of a deadly viral disease in UK honey bee colonies, with clusters of chronic bee paralysis becoming more frequent. The disease is caused by a virus that leads to infected bees dying within a week, resulting in whole colonies being lost.
Researchers identified top food sources for urban honey bees, including trees like maples and oaks in spring, and woody vines like Virginia creeper in summer and fall. The study highlights actionable findings for urban land management, beekeepers, and homeowners to sustain honey bees and other pollinator species.
Researchers found that IAPV-infected honey bees are more likely to be accepted by foreign colonies, engaging in increased trophallaxis with guards. The infected bees also exhibit distinct chemical profiles, suggesting a changed behavior meant to appease the guards.
Infection with Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) alters honey bee social behavior, reducing aggression and changing chemical signals. This manipulation facilitates viral transmission between colonies, raising concerns about the impact of high colony densities on pathogen evolution.
Researchers used mass spectrometry to analyze sperm stored in honey bee queens and found five proteins activated by extreme temperatures. The proteins can indicate heat stress in queen bees and serve as a bellwether for wider insect fertility losses.
Researchers discovered a Megalopta gynandromorph, exhibiting both male and female characteristics. The bee's activity patterns closely resembled those of females, with higher intensity periods during the day.
Researchers at Cornell University found that squash and pumpkin pollen deter bumblebees from collecting and eating pollen, potentially providing an evolutionary benefit to cucurbit plants. This is because the pollen causes damage and distorted digestive tracts in adult bees and prevents them from reproducing.
A study published in Ecology found that a native sweat bee species, Halictus ligatus, has a daily routine that makes it a promising pollinator. The bees were found to consistently visit the same plant species day-to-day, making them valuable for commercial crop pollination.
A study by University of Hawaii researchers found that the new 'Independence' almond variety requires bee assistance for optimal yield, contrary to marketing claims. This challenges efforts to breed pollinator-independent almonds, which could have significant consequences for the beekeeping industry and agricultural pesticide use.
A study found that urban flower strips attract a significant number of city bee species, with one-year-old strips supporting over a quarter of the total bee fauna. The findings suggest that these greenery interventions provide essential support for pollinators and can serve as effective conservation measures.
Insects can perform numerical estimation and compare sets of objects, recognizing larger quantities. Researchers found a simple model for neural networks to learn numerical cognition tasks using a single neuron.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that bumblebees can find objects in the dark based on past experiences, a phenomenon called cross-modal recognition. This ability allows bees to form mental images of shapes despite limited sensory input.
Scientists have resolved the structure of an essential protein for insect smell, suggesting that millions of odor receptors evolved to suit different lifestyles and habitats. The protein Orco forms a common channel with many odor receptors, allowing for diverse adaptations.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa develop a new technique to predict the impact of climate change on species extinction risk, finding that bumble bee populations are disappearing in areas with hotter temperatures. The study's findings suggest a future with fewer bumble bees and reduced diversity, both in the wild and on our plates.
Bumble bees prefer normal, low-fat pollen over high-fat versions, which can negatively impact their reproduction and survival. The bees' ability to distinguish between nutrients allows them to make informed food choices.
Researchers discovered bumblebees use two modes of flight to optimize energy usage, including the 'economy mode' that allows heavier loads with minimal extra flapping frequency. This behavioral choice reveals flexibility in bee behavior and challenges previous assumptions about insect physiology.
Scientists develop genetically engineered bacteria to target Varroa mites and deformed wing virus, increasing survival rates by up to 70%. The approach could one day scale up for agricultural use, improving bee health and food production.
A study by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that flowering plants are better pollinated in urban areas than in rural regions. Bees, particularly bumblebees, played a crucial role in this process. The researchers recommend considering the needs of bees when planning green spaces in both cities and countryside.
Research from North Carolina State University found that freshly burned longleaf pine forests have more bees and bee species than unburned forests. The study suggests that prescribed fires maintain a favorable environment for pollinators by reducing ground cover and releasing nutrients, increasing flower resources.
A new study found that solitary female bees inspect neighboring nests for signs of danger and use this information to choose a safe location for their own nest. They can remember geometric symbols associated with infected nests and avoid them in future breeding periods, demonstrating impressive cognitive flexibility.
Researchers found that each bumble bee species selected a different assortment of flowers, even when foraging across the same landscape. The study identified 14 plant species preferentially selected by bumble bees, including thickstem aster and Rydberg's penstemon.
Researchers discovered over 120 clusters of nearly two-centuries-old orchid bee nests built on the altarpiece of a Basilica Cathedral in Casco Viejo, Panama. The analysis of preserved pollen revealed 48 plant species, indicating a diverse floral landscape surrounding the cathedral in the late 19th century.
A new study using bumblebees found that the sweetest nectar is not always the best; too much sugar slows them down. The researchers discovered that bees prefer nectars with lower sugar concentrations, which are easier to drink and vomit back up.
Researchers found that neonicotinoid seed treatments have driven a significant increase in insecticide toxicity to honey bees, particularly oral-based toxic loads, which rose by 9-fold across the US. The study highlights the need for mitigation and conservation efforts in regions with high levels of insecticide use.
A study in Nature Communications reveals that the unique perfume chemistry of two species of orchid bees, Euglossa viridissima and Euglossa dilemma, is driven by a single olfactory receptor gene. The researchers found that the two species can be distinguished by their distinct perfume compounds, which are mediated by the OR41 gene.
Researchers at the University of York found that non-native plants are supporting communities of British insects, including pollinators and beetles. The study suggests that a balance between native and non-native plants may provide the best home for most insects.
The study found that solitary bees can tolerate a range of environmental conditions and have distinct preferences for nesting sites. The project's results could help inform land management to better protect ground-nesting bees.
Researchers found that bumblebees consuming more nectar due to sub-lethal radiation exposure may impair colony growth. This effect could have significant consequences for pollinator ecosystem services in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
Researchers detected imidacloprid residues in 48% of rape fields, posing a non-negligible risk to pollinating bees. Persistent use of neonicotinoids with certain crops threatens bee populations, highlighting the need for reinforcement of pesticide controls.
A new study found that a permitted neonicotinoid insecticide can effectively control pests while improving bumblebee foraging and food stores. This suggests certain neonicotinoids may be beneficial to bees, but the researchers caution against considering them as a homogeneous group.
A study tracked honey bee nutrition and colony growth in Iowa's intensely farmed state. Colonies near soybean fields experienced short-term gains but failed to support long-term health due to lack of floral resources.
A recent study found that honey bees fare well during the summer months when placed next to soybean fields, but struggle in winter due to a lack of food. Moving hives to prairie sites with late-flowering plants improved their nutritional health and helped them survive the winter.
A study found that certain bulbs can persist in warm-season lawns, providing nutrition for pollinating insects. Five bulbs persisted for multiple years, including crocus and grape hyacinth, which attracted pollinators. The researchers suggest incorporating proven forage sources into landscapes to support pollinator health.
Research found that yeasts in nectar can stimulate the growth of bee colonies by boosting their health, despite altering the nutritional value of nectar. The presence of yeasts also had a positive effect on bee colony fitness and productivity.
Researchers discovered that bees use a specific wing motion to create a wave and propel themselves forward, essentially 'surfing' on the water's surface. This unique adaptation enables bees to escape drowning by generating a strong enough force to reach land.
Researchers Chris Roh and Morteza Gharib found that honeybees can harness the power of their wetted wings as hydrofoils to propel themselves forward. By generating a net horizontal momentum imparted to water, bees overcome drag forces and achieve efficient locomotion on water's surface.
Researchers found that probiotic supplementation increased immunity against American Foulbrood and reduced the survival rate of infected bees. The study demonstrated a significant increase in Defensin-1 expression, a key antimicrobial peptide in honey bee defense.
A new study reveals high levels of genetic diversity in US Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), a leading cause of honey bee colony losses. The diverse lineages of this virus equally harm bees and complicate the development of antiviral treatments, which could be used to create a vaccine.
Scientists analyzed the virus' course of action and discovered how it captures host ribosomes using a structured RNA sequence called IRES. This finding advances research into feeding bees RNA molecules that interfere with the virus's RNA, potentially offering a solution to Colony Collapse Disorder.
Researchers discovered that stingless bee larvae depend on a symbiotic relationship with three fungi species to develop and reach adulthood. The interaction between these fungi modulates larval development and highlights the importance of preserving this relationship against pesticide use.
Honeybees can learn to distinguish between quantities of three and four, but fail at finer differences. Training with a bitter-tasting quinine-flavored water reward improves their math skills, enabling them to differentiate between four and five shapes.
The study found that the supply of queens and packaged bees is sufficiently elastic to absorb demand increases due to colony collapse disorder, leading to no significant price hikes. Beekeeper methods of offsetting winter losses, such as splitting hives, remained relatively inexpensive and effective in meeting pollination contracts.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of two Varroa mite species that parasitize honey bees, finding distinct strategies for survival and evolution. The study sheds light on how parasites and hosts co-evolve, potentially revealing new approaches to combat colony collapse.
A new study reveals that bumble bee workers tending to pupae sleep significantly less than other bees, even when the offspring are not their own. This finding suggests that substances produced by the pupae may drive the reduction in sleep.
A recent study by Hebrew University researchers found that bumble bee workers sleep less while caring for young, even when not their own offspring. This suggests a mechanism allowing them to reduce sleep without a cost to health or cognitive performance.
Burt's Bees research highlights the effectiveness of natural ingredients like bakuchiol in addressing anti-aging concerns and protecting skin from environmental damage. Clinical studies demonstrate improved skin health, reduced sensitivity, and enhanced lip barrier function with nature-based skincare regimens.
Researchers have discovered nine new species of bees in Fiji, including one that is nearing extinction due to climate-related changes. The study highlights the vulnerability of highland-restricted species to a warming climate.
A new tool from the US Department of Agriculture predicts the probability of honey bee colonies surviving winter based on colony size and varroa mite infestation. This allows beekeepers to decide whether to overwinter colonies in cold storage, reducing costs and improving financial viability.
Scientists are developing a bee health diagnosis tool to help Canada's declining honey bees. The 'BeeCSI' tool will assess bee health in living colonies and provide management strategies.
Research by University of Kansas plant biologists reveals that abandoning one pollinator for another compromises a flower's long-term survival. The study found that hummingbird-pollinated species are less likely to form new species, while insect-pollinated species tend to be more successful in speciating and resisting extinction.
A new study found that almond, cherry, and meadowfoam provide ample pollen to honeybees, while highbush blueberry and hybrid carrot seed crops may not. Pollen diversity is crucial for colony growth and survival of the western honeybee.
A research group at University of Würzburg is focusing on the role of bacteria in bee health, finding that environmental factors have a stronger influence on solitary bees than previously thought. The study highlights the need for further research to combat bee mortality.
Research in forager honeybees suggests that changes in a vibration-sensitive neuron enhance waggle dance communication. The older bees demonstrate more precise connections to other brain regions and better signaling, allowing them to effectively convey information through the waggle dance.
Researchers found that 36% of squash bees are chronically exposed to lethal doses of clothianidin in soil, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 5%. This risk is applicable to many other wild bee species in Canada, highlighting the need for new approaches to protect pollinators and crops simultaneously.
Researchers have developed a method to trace industrial metals in the environment using honey and salmon. By analyzing lead isotopes in honey and Pacific salmon, scientists can identify sources of pollutants like lead and cadmium. The technique has been proven effective in Metro Vancouver and is being applied to other cities.
Researchers use 'Reverse Metagenomics' method to identify preferred wildflowers for bees, providing valuable insights into pollinator behavior and habitat conservation. This technique can be applied to various studies, including diet analysis and airborne allergenic pollen identification.