Air pollution alters gut microbes of British bumble bees.
A recent study by the University of Leicester has found that air pollution may be linked to the global decline in bee populations. The study specifically examines how air pollution affects the bee gut microbiome and its bacterial balance, which is crucial for bee health and pollination. The researchers exposed beneficial bacteria in the bee gut to black carbon air pollution in the lab and found changes in its behavior and structure. The study highlights the importance of understanding the impact of air pollution on bee health to protect the planet's ecosystems and global food security.