Articles tagged with Honey
A new study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that environmental factors can alter aggression levels in honey bees. By analyzing gene expression patterns in response to alarm pheromone, the team found similarities between short-term and long-term changes, suggesting a connection between nurture and nature.
Researchers found that foraging honey bees experience decline in associative learning with increasing age, but nurse bees remain unaffected. By switching tasks, foragers' learning performance improves, demonstrating remarkable plasticity in brain circuits.
Agricultural Research Service scientists have sequenced the genome of a parasite that can kill honey bees, providing new insights into colony collapse disorder. The microsporidian parasite produces spores that bees consume when foraging, leading to infection and colony loss.
A recent study reveals that honeybee populations are increasing worldwide, contrary to concerns of a 'pollination crisis'. However, the demand for crops relying on insect pollination has more than tripled over the last half century.
Researchers discovered Nosema ceranae, a Microsporidia parasite, is the primary cause of honey bee colony depopulation syndrome in professional apiaries. Treating infected colonies with flumagillin resulted in complete recovery.
A three-year study found that wild bees visit more flowers per minute and deposit more pollen than honey bees, making them potential blueberry pollinators. Growers can support natural bee populations by providing nesting materials, such as bamboo or reeds.
The Sibbett Group's interconnected garden design won the international bee-friendly garden competition from Häagen-Dazs and UC Davis. The garden will provide a year-round food source for honey bees and raise public awareness about their plight, aiming to inspire visitors to plant bee-friendly gardens.
Researchers found that honey bees can reliably distinguish between patterns containing two and three dots, but struggle with four. The bees use a combination of working memory and memory rules to solve the problem. This remarkable cognitive ability challenges traditional views on the numerical competence of insects.
Researchers found that honey bees on cocaine exaggerate their dances, regardless of food quality or hive status. The study supports the idea that insects have a reward system motivated by feelings of pleasure.
A University of Illinois study found that honey, rich in antioxidants, protects the quality of salad dressings for up to nine months while naturally sweetening them. The study substituted honey for chemical additives and high-fructose corn syrup, resulting in a healthier alternative.
A UC Davis researcher has crossed New World Carniolans with Old World bees to create a more productive, winter-hardy, and resistant strain. This genetic research aims to increase resistance to pests and diseases, which are major contributors to the decline of honey bee colonies.
Researchers found honey to be significantly more effective in killing bacteria than antibiotics, including drug-resistant biofilms. This discovery holds promise for the treatment of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis through topical application.
Researchers found unprecedented levels of fluvalinate and coumaphos in beeswax, while pollen and bees showed lower levels of other pesticides. A new method using gamma radiation reduced acaricide load in beeswax by 50%. The study highlights the need for monitoring pesticide interactions and potential links to Colony Collapse Disorder.
Scientists at the University of Warwick have found four types of fungi effective against varroa mites, which feed on honey bee circulatory fluid and transmit diseases. The researchers are exploring ways to deliver these killer fungi through various methods, including foot baths and powder sprays.
Scientists have found that Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) does not replicate in Varroa mites, highlighting the need for further investigation into its transmission. Research suggests that the virus is transmitted to bees when the mite bites and picks up infected bees' saliva or gut contents.
A study found that honey bees invading new areas benefit from the genetic endowment of their predecessors, with functional genes from European bees providing an advantage. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanism behind the expansion of honey bees into temperate regions and their ability to thrive in harsh winter condit...
The Häagen-Dazs brand has gifted a new garden design to Penn State's Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility, featuring interconnected gardens and educational spaces. The design aims to provide year-round food sources for honey bees and raise public awareness about their plight.
Research found that treating venous leg ulcers with honey dressings did not improve healing rates, but led to more adverse events compared to conventional care. The study suggests compression and other treatments remain the best approach for managing venous ulcers.
A study suggests that honey is more effective than over-the-counter cough medicines in relieving children's coughs and improving sleep during colds. Honey was found to yield the greatest improvement compared to no treatment or dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter medication commonly used for children's coughs.
A study found that buckwheat honey provided better relief of nighttime cough and sleep difficulty in children than no treatment or dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant. The study showed honey reduced the severity, frequency, and bothersome nature of nighttime cough from upper respiratory infections.
Research finds that honey bee queens who mate with multiple drones are more attractive to worker bees, leading to longer reigns. Pheromone composition changes after mating, with more multiply inseminated queens exhibiting stronger retinue response.
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.
A team of scientists has identified an odorant receptor that allows male honey bee drones to detect the presence of a queen up to 60 meters away. The receptor, which can detect the specific pheromone '9-ODA', is expressed in the antennae of male drones and plays a crucial role in their mating rituals.
Indiana University neuroscientists Olaf Sporns and Christopher Honey found that the brain's spontaneous activity is shaped by its wiring diagram. Their computational model of a macaque monkey's brain shows how fluctuations in activity emerge from chaotic neural interactions, revealing rich temporal structure at multiple time scales.
A study by University of Illinois researchers explores the molecular mechanisms behind queen bee longevity, revealing that vitellogenin plays a vital role in maintaining reproductive viability and longevity. The findings suggest that the queen's unique biology allows her to devote energy to reproduction while extending her lifespan.
A randomized, double-blind controlled trial is being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of topical honey in healing diabetic ulcers. The study aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to antibiotics, which are often ineffective against drug-resistant bacteria.
Researchers found that honeydew honeys have greater antioxidant properties than nectar honeys due to their high polyphenol content and other chemical characteristics. The study suggests that honeydew honeys could be a valuable source of natural antioxidants for health benefits.
Research reveals that four subspecies of honey bees originated in Africa before migrating to Europe. The study contradicts long-held beliefs about the honey bee's Asian origins.
Scientists develop method to train honey bees to detect explosives, including TNT, C4, and TATP, with exceptional olfactory sense. The technique harnesses the bee's natural reaction to nectar to record an unmistakable response to a scent.
The research aims to make it simpler to select and propagate honey bees resistant to parasites and disease, enabling more accurate identification of Africanized honey bees. The genome data can also lead to medical breakthroughs in humans and new technological innovations for agriculture.
The honey bee genome sequencing project has generated exciting results, providing new insights into diverse topics in honey bee biology, including neurobiology and caste determination. The project's findings have also shed light on disease-resistant pathways and metabolic adaptations to an all-floral diet.
A complex genetic mechanism determines honey bee gender and maximizes gene transmission to the next generation, allowing breeders to design better mating systems. The csd gene, shared among honey bees, evolved before they became different species.
Researchers have unraveled the evolution of the csd gene in honey bees, which determines gender. The study's findings could aid in designing better breeding strategies to avoid sterile males.
The honey bee genome study reveals that high recombination rates boost genetic diversity, leading to increased social complexity, colony performance, and fitness. The study also found context-dependent functions for Major Royal Jelly Protein genes, which play a crucial role in royal jelly production and behavior.
A new study estimates that 87 out of 115 leading global crops depend to some degree on animal pollination, accounting for one-third of crop production globally. This reliance on pollinators is particularly concerning due to the decline in key North American pollinator populations.
Researchers have sequenced the honey bee genome, revealing insights into its remarkable social behavior and highly developed sense of smell. The study found that honey bees originated in Africa, have a unique set of genes related to odorant receptors, and exhibit complex social cues.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified 36 genes and 100 neuropeptides in the brain of honey bees, revealing new insights into their role in behavior, dance language, and hive defense. The study uses a combination of bioinformatics, mass spectrometry, and other techniques to analyze the honey bee genome.
Researchers traced the migration of honey bees from Africa to Europe, revealing two distinct European populations that are more related to African honey bees than each other. The study used genetic analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism markers, increasing the level of detail possible in genetic analysis.
Researchers found that honey bees have 170 odorant receptors, compared to 62 in fruit flies and 79 in mosquitoes. This allows them to detect pheromones, find food, and communicate with each other through subtle olfactory cues.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered five transcription factors that correlate with socially regulated genes in honey bees. These findings suggest that the study may provide insights into social factors regulating gene expression in human brains.
Researchers found that articulating the connection between a sponsor and event increases recall for incongruent sponsor-event pairings. The study suggests marketing managers can improve brand recognition by clearly explaining their relationship with an event.
Researchers study the impact of changing river hydrology, exotic pests, land development, and sociopolitical and economic factors on tupelo honey production. Beekeepers face difficulties in producing honey, with some colonies losing up to 50% due to infestations.
Honey's antibacterial quality rapidly clears existing infection, while also protecting wounds from additional infections. The sweetener stimulates the growth of granulation and epithelial tissues to speed up the healing process.
In a unique discovery, researchers found that Batwa Pygmies located bee nests for honey, and Apis mellifera subspecies coexist with native-American stingless bees. The Bwindi-Impenetrable National Park's diverse ecosystem lacks ecological information on honey-making bees.
A new study by Ilana Redstone Akresh found that 39% of US immigrants reported significant changes in their diets, resulting in increased junk food and meat consumption. This can lead to negative health outcomes, as those who consume more junk food have higher BMI and lower levels of education, English proficiency, and social integration.
The Mayan 'royal lady' bee is on the brink of extinction as its traditional propagation method is lost. The authors propose a conservation strategy involving step-by-step instructions for basic stingless beekeeping, aiming to revive this vital pollinator.
Researchers found that Varroa mites reduce bee immunity by suppressing the production of chemicals that sterilize honey, allowing bacteria to increase. This combination with deformed wing virus is causing two-week death collapses in hives across the US.
Honey bees given varying levels of ethanol exhibit behavioral changes, including impaired motor function and learning. The study aims to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying addiction and aggression in humans, leveraging the similarities between bee and human nervous systems.
Scientists at the University of Illinois found that honey contains higher levels of antioxidants than corn syrup, which can fight cancer and heart disease. Dark-colored honey, like buckwheat honey, shows promise as a replacement for synthetic preservatives.
Researchers found a direct correlation between honey consumption and elevated polyphenolic antioxidants in human plasma. The study's findings support existing evidence that honey may provide protective antioxidant compounds, contributing to overall health.
A study found that nearly half of rural North Carolina adults use home remedies for various health conditions. The most common remedies used were honey-lemon-vinegar-whiskey for respiratory issues, herbs for cardiovascular conditions, and teas for general well-being.
The honey bee genome has been assembled through a team-led effort by the NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute. With approximately 300 million DNA base pairs, it is one-tenth the size of the human genome. Researchers aim to compare the genome with other organisms to understand genes and regulatory regions within DNA.
Research suggests that honey's antibacterial properties can inhibit a range of strains, including MRSA, VSE, and VRE. This study indicates a possible role for honey in the treatment of wounds colonised by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A study by Nicki Engeseth found that honey improves antioxidant levels in human blood, suggesting a mild protective effect against heart disease. The research also showed that darker honeys have higher antioxidant levels, which may inhibit the growth of oral pathogenic bacteria.
Researchers found that dark-colored honeys, especially buckwheat, had the highest antioxidant values, which are comparable to those in fruits and vegetables. The study suggests that honey may have the potential to serve as a dietary antioxidant, potentially preventing oxidation in the blood.
A series of studies suggests honey is a viable carbohydrate option for endurance athletes due to its low glycemic index and positive metabolic response. Honey has been shown to improve power and speed in exercise, making it an attractive natural energy boost.
Penn State researchers have created a rapid test method to identify adulterated honey using spectroscopy, capable of detecting as little as 1% beet sugar invert. The new approach aims to meet US standards for natural honey products with nutraceutical properties.
A study suggests that combining honey with a protein supplement may boost post-workout recuperation and favor better blood sugar maintenance after exercise. The study found that the group receiving honey maintained optimal blood sugar levels throughout two hours following the workout.
Research suggests that honey is an effective form of carbohydrate gel for athletes, providing a sustained energy boost without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. The study found that honey's lower glycemic index profile makes it an ideal choice for pre-workout consumption, potentially improving endurance and reducing fatigue.
A key study by Dr. Peter C. Molan presents the latest research on honey's effectiveness in treating wounds caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. The results show that honey dressings can rapidly clear bacteria from infected wounds, making it a potential treatment for necrotising fasciitis.