Tag: Michigan University

Scientists track gene activity when honey bees do and don’t eat honey: Significant differences depending on diet

May 8, 2017

Many beekeepers feed their honey bees sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup when times are lean inside the hive. This practice has come under scrutiny, however, in response to colony collapse disorder, the massive — and as yet not fully explained — annual die-off of honey bees in the U.S. and Europe. Some suspect that inadequate … More Scientists track gene activity when honey bees do and don’t eat honey: Significant differences depending on diet

Single gene separates queen from workers

October 31, 2015

Michigan State University scientists have identified how a single gene in honey bees separates the queens from the workers. A team of scientists unraveled the gene’s inner workings. The gene, which is responsible for leg and wing development, plays a crucial role in the evolution of bees’ ability to carry pollen. Scientists have identified how … More Single gene separates queen from workers