Month: February 2021

Pesticides impair baby bee brain development.

February 27, 2021

Imperial College London researchers used micro-CT scanning technology to reveal how specific parts of bumblebee brains grew abnormally when exposed to pesticides during their larval phase. Most previous studies have tested the effects of pesticide exposure on adult bees because these individuals directly collect pesticide-contaminated nectar and pollen. However, this study shows that baby bees … More Pesticides impair baby bee brain development.

Substances in honey increase honey bee detox gene expression.

February 24, 2021

A new study led by Illinois professor of entomology May Berenbaum shows that some components of the nectar and pollen grains bees collect to manufacture food increase expression of detoxification genes that help keep honey bees healthy. Research in the wake of Colony Collapse Disorder, a mysterious malady afflicting (primarily commercial) honey bees, suggests that … More Substances in honey increase honey bee detox gene expression.

Brexit rules mean 15 million baby bees may be seized and burned, says beekeeper.

February 21, 2021

Patrick Murfet says he tried to import bees via Northern Ireland but was told they would be destroyed. A beekeeper trying to bring 15 million bees into the UK says he has been told they must be seized and burned because of post-Brexit laws.  Murfet wants to import the baby Italian bees for his Kent business and … More Brexit rules mean 15 million baby bees may be seized and burned, says beekeeper.

Native bees under threat from growing urbanization.

February 18, 2021

Residential gardens are a poor substitute for native bushland and increasing urbanization is a growing threat when it comes to bees, Curtin University research has found. Published in ‘Urban Ecosystems’, the research looked at bee visits to flowers, which form pollination networks across different native bushland and home garden habitats. Lead author, Forrest Foundation Scholar Miss Kit Prendergast, … More Native bees under threat from growing urbanization.

France mulls reintroduction of neonicotinoids, faces backlash from NGOs and Germany.

February 15, 2021

Debates are currently well underway in France over the re-authorisation of neonicotinoids, a controversial class of pesticides, to save its sugar beet industry. The issue is causing quite a stir both at home and across the Rhine. EURACTIV France reports. The issue of the re-authorisation of neonicotinoid insecticides was tackled by France’s national council for ecological … More France mulls reintroduction of neonicotinoids, faces backlash from NGOs and Germany.

Climate change reduces the abundance and diversity of wild bees.

February 12, 2021

Wild bees are more affected by climate change than by disturbances to their habitats, according to a team of researchers led by Penn State. The findings suggest that addressing land-use issues alone will not be sufficient to protecting these important pollinators. “Our study found that the most critical factor influencing wild bee abundance and species diversity was the weather, particularly … More Climate change reduces the abundance and diversity of wild bees.

Big bumble bees learn locations of best flowers, new research shows.

February 9, 2021

Meanwhile smaller bumblebees — which have a shorter flight range and less carrying capacity — don’t pay special attention to flowers with the richest nectar. University of Exeter scientists examined the “learning flights” which most bees perform after leaving flowers. Honeybees are known to perform such flights — and the study shows bumblebees do the … More Big bumble bees learn locations of best flowers, new research shows.

Pesticide manufacturers’ own tests reveal serious harm to honeybees.

February 6, 2021

Bayer and Syngenta criticised for secrecy after unpublished research obtained under freedom of information law linked high doses of their products to damage to the health of bee colonies. Unpublished field trials by pesticide manufacturers show their products cause serious harm to honeybees at high levels, leading to calls from senior scientists for the companies … More Pesticide manufacturers’ own tests reveal serious harm to honeybees.

Honey bees fend off giant hornets with animal feces.

February 3, 2021

What’s the best way to ward off giant hornets if you’re a honeybee? Animal dung, according to a first-ever University of Guelph study. U of G researchers have discovered honeybees in Vietnam collect and apply spots of animal dung around hive entrances to deter deadly nest raids by an Asian hornet (Vespa soror) whose North American … More Honey bees fend off giant hornets with animal feces.