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Honey bee colony loss in the U.S. linked to mites, extreme weather, pesticides

A new study by Penn State researchers found that US honey bee colony loss is primarily related to parasitic mites, extreme weather events, and nearby pesticides. The study integrated multiple large datasets at different spatial and temporal resolutions to assess various potential stressors associated with colony collapse across the US.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2023

Strategies of a honey bee virus

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.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 23, 2019

MSU economist's research on colony collapse disorder published in national journal

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.

SourceMontana State University·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·DateOct 4, 2019
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Largest king penguin colony has shrunk nearly 90 percent

The largest king penguin colony on Île aux Cochons has plummeted in size by nearly 90%, with researchers attributing the decline to climate change and vegetation encroachment. Satellite images reveal that the colony's population began declining in the late 1990s, coinciding with a major climatic event related to El Niño.

SourceCNRS·JournalAntarctic Science·DateJul 30, 2018

Varroa mites -- bees' archenemies -- have genetic holes in their armor

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered four genes that help Varroa mites survive and two that affect their reproduction. The team used RNA interference to identify the key genes, which could lead to reduced or eliminated mite populations. This breakthrough may also have applications beyond bee conservation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Insect Science·DateAug 14, 2017

Pesticides not yet proven guilty of causing honeybee declines

UK scientists found that widely-used agricultural insecticides like neonicotinoids may not be the primary cause of honeybee colony collapse. Researchers repeated a flawed calculation and used a realistic birth rate, revealing the risk of colony collapse under pesticide exposure disappears.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2012

Use of common pesticide linked to bee colony collapse

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health finds a link between imidacloprid and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in honeybees. The researchers discovered that even low levels of the pesticide can cause hive collapse, highlighting the potential impact on agriculture.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·DateApr 5, 2012
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Connection between virus and Colony Collapse Disorder in bees

Researchers discover Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) significantly associated with colony collapse disorder (CCD) in honey bee colonies. IAPV was found in all four affected operations and correctly distinguished CCD from non-CCD status 96.1% of the time.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2007

Virus named as possible factor in honey bee disorder

A study published by AAAS suggests that Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) is a potential cause of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a phenomenon where adult bees disappear from hives. Researchers found molecular signs of IAPV associated with CCD, but stressors like poor nutrition and pesticide exposure are also likely involved.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2007