Researchers developed a multi-step process to quantify the dependency of international trade on Nature's Contributions to People (NCPs), including spatial mapping and tracing international trade flows. The study aims to improve knowledge about the complex relationship between nature and international trade, supporting implementing Targ...
SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 17, 2024
A University of Washington team discovered that nitrate radicals in the air degrade scent chemicals released by wildflowers, making them undetectable to nighttime pollinators. The researchers found that pollution likely has worldwide impacts on pollination, with areas including western North America and Europe most affected.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have produced a comprehensive map of England's hedgerows, revealing over 390,000 km of field boundaries marked by these critical habitats. The new data will guide future habitat restoration efforts and support biodiversity conservation.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 31, 2024
The EU Horizon 2020 project Safeguard has launched an open-access collection in the Research Ideas and Outcomes journal, increasing discoverability of wild pollinator research outputs. The collection hosts 14 project papers and aims to become a one-stop knowledge hub for pollinator conservation.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new study found that bumblebees maximize nectar sugar collection per minute to provide an immediate energy boost for the colony. By trading off time and energy, they choose hard-to-access nectar sources with high sugar content.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2023
Researchers found that the orchid Goodyera henryi on Kozu Island is pollinated by an island wasp, leading to hybridization with another orchid species. The study highlights how plants adapt to changing ecological conditions and has implications for understanding plant evolution in response to declining pollinator populations.
SourceKobe University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023
The B-GOOD project will introduce its achievements in improving honey bee health and beekeeping sustainability through an oral presentation, poster sessions, and online participation. The event aims to gather consortium members and external advisors to share knowledge and exchange ideas.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers have discovered a novel nursery pollination system in which fungi-eating orchids and fruit flies engage in mutualistic symbiosis. The study found that the orchids offer their flowers to the flies in exchange for pollination, providing a breeding ground for the flies' larvae.
SourceKobe University·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2023
A new study reveals significant gaps in knowledge of Asian bee species, highlighting the need for more resources to build basic scientific knowledge of bee biodiversity. This knowledge is crucial for managing and maintaining bee diversity, pollination, and food security in Asia.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeSurvey·DateAug 7, 2023
A new study analyzed existing research on bee-protective measures and found that many common methods are backed by minimal scientific evidence. Researchers urge stronger testing to evaluate effective measures and warn of potential waste of time if ineffective.
SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 17, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers found that ahiflower oil supplementation can recover mitochondrial respiration rates in honey bees exposed to imidacloprid, a common neonicotinoid pesticide. This study suggests the potential for food supplements to decrease honey bee mortalities caused by pesticides.
A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists found that honey bees are more faithful to their flower patches than bumble bees. Honey bees returned to 76% of the same alfalfa flowers, while bumble bees visited only 47%. The difference may be due to honey bees' communication system and risk aversion.
SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2023
The new exhibition at the National Museum of Natural History in Sofia focuses on the importance of pollinators and the threats they face. Key research projects like B-GOOD, PoshBee, and Safeguard are showcased to promote conservation efforts.
A global analysis of pollinator decline in cities reveals that butterflies are most affected, with shrinking habitats and food availability causing populations to drop. Meanwhile, certain groups of wild bees, such as those nesting above ground, remain less impacted by urbanization.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalEcology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 22, 2023
A recent study refutes the long-held notion that bilateral symmetry in flowers enhances pollination accuracy by animals. The research found that the stabilization of animal flower entry is largely due to the horizontal orientation, rather than floral symmetry.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateMay 29, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Native bees in Oregon's Coast Range are diverse and abundant in clearcut areas within years of timber harvest, but numbers drop sharply as the forest canopy closes. Management practices that promote open conditions can enhance floral resources and promote bee diversity.
SourceOregon State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 13, 2023
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University identify vital differences between the plants, including pollinators and lifespan, confirming their classification. The study highlights the importance of recognizing every species for conservation programs.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNordic Journal of Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023
A warmer climate is causing bumblebee queens to emerge earlier, potentially disrupting the timing of plant-pollinator interactions. This can lead to reduced biodiversity and lower pollination rates, as some species may not have enough food during their flight period.
SourceLund University·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateMar 2, 2023
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GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
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
The Safeguard project has released its first policy brief, providing concrete research-based recommendations for policymakers to consider pollinators. The brief highlights five key recommendations to support pollinators and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, including protecting diverse pollinator assemblages and enhancing terr...
A team of researchers from McGill University and the Montreal Botanical Garden used photogrammetry to create 3D models of flowers, shedding light on their evolution and interaction with pollinators. The technique has the potential to revolutionize research in plant biodiversity.
SourceMcGill University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2022
A research team used photogrammetry to build 3D models of flowers from two-dimensional images, gaining new insights into the shape and color of flowers. The technique allows for detailed study of flowers' morphology and colors, which act like magnets to attract pollinators.
SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNew Phytologist·DateDec 7, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Researchers discovered that two approved insecticides can damage honey bees' intestinal flora, making them more susceptible to disease. The study highlights the need for rigorous research on pesticide effects on beneficial insects before approval.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022
Excess ground-level ozone damages plant foliage, alters flowering patterns, and blocks pollinators' access to flowers. Ozone also disrupts plant-pollinator communication through altered chemical signatures.
SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 29, 2022
A recent study by the University of Exeter reveals that honeybees rely on both color and pattern to identify flowers. The researchers found that bees can effectively distinguish between different flowers using a combination of these elements, suggesting that flowers don't need to evolve many different petal colors.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2022
A new study by University of Missouri and Webster University scientists finds climate change linked to decline of bumblebees in alpine regions. Warming temperatures are creating a longer growing season, allowing lower-elevation bees to migrate to alpine areas, where they struggle to adapt.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 18, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A self-pollinating monkeyflower plant lost 13-24% of its genetic variation within nine generations when isolated from bumble bees. This rapid loss of genetic variation could have devastating impacts on the plant's ability to adapt to changing environments, highlighting the importance of pollinators for plant survival.
SourceWashington State University·JournalEvolution·DateAug 10, 2022
A new online database, The Database of Pollinator Interactions (DoPI), provides a wealth of information on pollinator-plant interactions. It contains over 300,000 recorded interactions between more than 2,000 pollinator species and 1,000 plant species, helping users select pollinator-friendly species to plant in their gardens.
SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEcology·DateAug 9, 2022
A long-term research project found creating wildlife habitats significantly increased local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production. The study assessed the effectiveness of agri-environmental measures in reducing biodiversity losses caused by intensive farming practices.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
The white egret orchid's unique petal shape supports the hawkmoth pollinator, leading to higher healthy seed production. The research found that intact plants produced more seeds than those with the fringed petal removed.
SourceKobe University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022
Research reveals Arisaema urashima's thread selectively reels in fungus gnats, a key pollinator, by trapping them inside the spathe. The plant's 'fishing rod' appendage also reduces fruiting rate if removed, emphasizing its crucial role in attracting primary pollinators.
SourceKobe University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022
A study published in Ecology Letters found that pollinators stabilize crop yields, reducing variation by 32%, which can help mitigate supply issues and market shocks. This finding highlights the importance of preserving pollinators for global food security.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalEcology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 17, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers at the University of Maryland identified AGL62 as the trigger for fruit and seed development in flowering plants. The study showed that AGL62 stimulates auxin production, which regulates endosperm growth and fruit enlargement.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022
A study found that imidacloprid, a widely used pesticide in Brazil, is toxic to native bees and can cause alarming levels of poisoning. Researchers are calling for specific protocols and more effective regulation to protect these vital pollinators.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJun 20, 2022
A recent statewide census of California bumble bees found significant declines due to climate change, urbanization, and pesticide use. Despite finding most common species, researchers failed to locate several iconic species, including the Western bumble bee, highlighting urgent need for conservation efforts.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJun 16, 2022
The Safeguard project recommends improving pollinator knowledge, tackling causes of decline, and raising awareness to reverse the 2030 pollinator loss objective. European Commission's public consultation gathered views on strengthening the current framework on wild pollinators.
A UC Riverside genetic discovery found that mosquitoes lack the primary ecdysone transporter, allowing researchers to develop a mosquito-specific insecticide. This breakthrough could help control Zika, dengue, and other virus-carrying mosquitoes without harming beneficial insects.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers found that flower shape is a key predictor of parasite transmission to bees, with wider, shorter flowers increasing the risk. The study suggests that identifying floral traits and species associated with lower parasite transmission rates could help create pollinator habitats with reduced disease risk.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022
Researchers observe fruit bat migration patterns mirroring seasonal landscapes in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting a unique role in plant pollination. The study reveals the ecologically underestimated fruit bats transport plant seeds along the 'green wave', potentially affecting local ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2022
Researchers at the University of Exeter are using satellites and drones to track the availability of flowers for pollinators. This technology could be combined with behavioral studies to better understand the impact of human activity on pollinator habitats, leading to more effective conservation efforts.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 20, 2022
Researchers found that forests and forest edges provide natural conditions that buffer extreme heat and drought, allowing for a greater diversity of pollinating insects. This study suggests that maintaining large proportions of forested land in the landscape could help mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on insect populations.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A new study found that Portland residents are willing to pay $442.40 per household for green roofs that reduce stormwater runoff by three times per year, decrease urban heat island effect by over one degree, and bring in a significant amount of bees, birds, and butterflies. The cost would be added to sewage and stormwater utility bills.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeSurvey·DateMay 3, 2022
Researchers found that diverse landscape compositions with faba beans led to higher bumblebee densities, increased pollination success, and higher bean yields. Short-tongued bumblebees stole nectar more frequently from faba beans when there was a high proportion of faba beans in the landscape.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022
A recent study in Peru's tropical rainforests investigated cacao flower visitation, finding a wide variety of insects attracted to the small flowers. However, pollen transfer and fruit set remain poor, with only two percent of pollinated flowers setting fruit.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022
A University of Illinois-led study reveals a significant decline in tropical forest bird populations, with 70% of understory bird species experiencing a drop of half or more since 1977. The findings highlight the importance of long-term studies and the need to address the lack of data on tropical bird populations.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2022
Research at Clemson University reveals that flowers use UV-absorbing chemicals to create a 'bulls-eye' effect for pollinating insects, aiding survival. Plants adapt to different environments by producing varying amounts of UV-blocking or absorbing chemicals.
SourceClemson University·JournalEvolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
The SPRING project is establishing an EU-wide census of pollinators, building on existing butterfly monitoring schemes. The project will use a variety of methods, including standard routes for counting wild bees and hoverflies, to gather data on the diversity and abundance of pollinators.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·DateMar 21, 2022
A two-year study shows that even a 4m² space can provide a rich habitat for pollinators and support biodiversity. The mini-meadows attracted an average of 111% more bumblebees and 87% more solitary bees compared to control plots.
SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalJournal of Insect Conservation·DateMar 14, 2022
A new study finds that weed species classified as 'injurious weeds' support higher diversity and abundance of pollinators compared to recommended plants. The research suggests that these weeds produce more nectar sugar, making them a valuable resource for flower-visiting insects.
SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 8, 2022
Researchers found that soybean plants adjacent to pollinator habitats produce larger seeds due to increased bee visitation. The presence of pollinators also influences the bee communities in soybean fields, with bees leaving for outside flowers less likely.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A study by Newcastle University found that a 1.5°C increase in temperature reduces food resources for pollinating insects, causing them to visit a wider range of plants and altering seed production in some wildflowers. This change leads to more complex food web dynamics.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022
Researchers found that streptomycin, a widely used antibiotic in U.S. agriculture, impairs bumblebee behavior, including reduced foraging efficiency and slowed cognition. The study aims to understand the potential impacts on pollinators of antibiotic use in agriculture.
SourceEmory University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022
A University of Ottawa review provides the first field-wide summary of how pesticide exposure affects social bee gut microbiotas. The study found that pesticides disturb microbial communities, leading to a loss of benefits and potential decline in bee health and performance.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalFEMS Microbiology Reviews·DateFeb 2, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A recent study by University of Pittsburgh biologists found a wide range of plant viruses associated with pollen grains from 24 plant species across the US. The research, published in Nature Communications, identifies six new species and three variants of known viruses, highlighting the potential for honeybees to spread these diseases.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022
A diverse pollen diet and varied landscape contribute to better colony growth and more offspring for young queens. This diversity also reduces the negative effects of infestation with parasitic wax moth larvae.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2022
Common air pollutants from urban and rural environments reduce pollinating abilities of insects, leading to fewer flower visits and overall pollination reductions. The study observed up to 70% fewer pollinators, 90% fewer flower visits, and a 31% reduction in pollination when common ground-level air pollutants were present.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2022
Researchers found that sunflowers with larger UV bullseyes retain water more efficiently in drier environments, suggesting a dual role for floral pigmentation in adaptation. The discovery may help increase crop yields and improve pollinator attraction.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournaleLife·DateJan 18, 2022
A recent study by the University of Bristol found that urban gardens in cities offer a long and continuous supply of energy-rich nectar from March to October. Despite variation between individual gardens, multiple garden visits provide pollinators with a reliable food source, contrasting with farmland's boom-and-bust cycles.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2022
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Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A new study found that farmers are extremely knowledgeable about pollinators and have taken initiatives to protect insects on their farms. However, more flexible funding options and cooperation between research and practice are needed to realize their full conservation potential.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeSurvey·DateDec 16, 2021
New research shows that bumblebees waste no time enjoying flowers but instead learn the bare minimum about where to land and find food. Bees extract just the necessary information from artificial flowers, suggesting a simple, low-effort form of learning is sufficient in some situations.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateDec 8, 2021