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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

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