Tag

Honey Bees

All articles tagged with #honey bees

science2 months ago•3 min saved

Viral Infections Trigger Queen Bee Replacements, Threatening Food Security

Research shows that viral infections weaken honey bee queens by reducing egg production and pheromone levels, prompting worker bees to replace them. This process, known as supersedure, can disrupt hive stability and productivity, but supplementing colonies with synthetic pheromones like methyl oleate may help manage and prevent premature queen replacement, offering new strategies for beekeepers to maintain healthy colonies.

via Phys.org|

#beekeeping #honey-bees #methyl-oleate

science4 months ago•4 min saved

Innovative Superfood and Probiotics Boost Honeybee Survival

Researchers have developed a synthetic, pollen-replacing superfood for honey bees that could improve their health, survival, and pollination services, potentially saving declining bee populations and supporting global food security. The innovation, tested successfully in trials, aims to provide essential nutrients to bees in environments with poor natural pollen sources and is expected to be available in the U.S. by mid-2026.

via Indian Defence Review|

#bee-nutrition #colony-collapse #honey-bees

science4 months ago•4 min saved

Scientists develop superfood and probiotics to combat honeybee decline

Scientists have developed a nutrient-rich, pollen-replacing superfood for honey bees that can sustain colonies indefinitely, addressing issues of poor nutrition and colony collapse. This artificial diet, resembling human power bars, provides essential nutrients, including a critical compound called isofucosterol, and has shown promising results in improving bee survival and colony health, potentially transforming pollination practices and food security. The product is expected to be available in the U.S. by mid-2026.

via Earth.com|

#bee-nutrition #colony-survival #honey-bees

science2 years ago•59 min saved

"Unveiling the Role of Host-Derived Organic Acids in Honey Bee Gut Colonization"

A study on the gut microbiota of honey bees reveals that the symbiotic bacterium Snodgrassella alvi can colonize the bee gut with only sugar in the diet, depleting host, pollen, and Gilliamella-derived metabolites. Host-derived carboxylic acids enable S. alvi colonization, as validated by experiments showing their synthesis by the host and utilization by S. alvi. Isotope labelling experiments and NanoSIMS analysis demonstrate that S. alvi assimilates biomass from host-derived compounds, providing direct evidence of nutrient foraging by the bacterium.

via Nature.com|

#gut-bacteria #honey-bees #host-derived-organic-acids

biology2 years ago•6 min saved

Maternal Influence: Honey Bees Inherit Altruism

A study by Penn State researchers has found that honey bees display altruistic behavior, such as deactivating their own ovaries and tending to the queen, which benefits her ability to produce offspring. The study also revealed that the genes responsible for this behavior can be inherited from either parent, but only result in altruistic behavior when passed down from the mother. The findings support the Kinship Theory of Intragenomic Conflict, suggesting that genes from mothers and fathers are in conflict over which behaviors to support. This research provides insight into bee behavior and highlights the influence of parental gene inheritance on behavior expression.

via Phys.org|

#altruistic-behavior #biology #genetics

environment2 years ago•2 min saved

"Reviving Honey Bee Populations: Urban Beekeeping Project Takes Flight"

Urban beekeeping projects in Washington, D.C. are working to restore honey bee populations and raise awareness about their importance. Former President Barack Obama launched a national strategy in 2014 to protect and promote bees and other pollinators. Government facilities, including the U.S. State Department and the Canadian embassy, have installed beehives on their rooftops. The efforts of beekeepers have helped stabilize honey bee populations, despite ongoing threats from pesticides, mites, and habitat loss. Education and public outreach have also contributed to a greater understanding and appreciation of bees.

via Yahoo News|

#conservation #environment #honey-bees

environment2 years ago•2 min saved

"Beekeeping Project Boosts Honey Bee Populations in Washington, D.C."

Honey bees have found a hospitable home in Washington, D.C., with hives located on rooftops, government facilities, embassies, and office buildings. Former President Barack Obama's national strategy to protect and promote honey bees has contributed to the rebound and stabilization of their population. Urban beekeepers and education efforts have helped raise awareness about the importance of bees and their role as pollinators. The project has also rehabilitated the image of bees, with more people wanting to nurture and take care of them.

via CBS News|

#conservation #environment #honey-bees

science2 years ago•3 min saved

Reversing the Origin Story: Honey Bees' Surprising Roots Unveiled in New Study.

A new analysis of the DNA of 78 bees covering 22 subspecies of the western honey bee suggests that they originated in northern Europe around 780,000 years ago before spreading through southeast Europe into East Africa and Arabia roughly 660,000 years ago. The bees then headed south into sub-Saharan Africa around 192,000 years ago. The finding upends the traditional view of the bees' origins, which was that European honey bees evolved from Africa or Asia. However, some experts disagree with the conclusion, arguing that the bee originated in West Asia or North Africa.

via Livescience.com|

#africa #dna-analysis #evolution

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

The Impact of Urban Beekeeping on Wild Pollinators.

The proliferation of urban beekeeping may be taking a toll on wild pollinators, according to a study by Montreal scientists. The number of honey bee colonies in the city rose from 238 in 2013 to nearly 3,000 by 2020, leading to a decline in the number of wild bee species. The scientists found that sites with the largest increase in honey bee populations had the fewest wild bee species, and that the small species of wild bees were the hardest hit. The scientists suggest that planting pollinator gardens may be a better way to increase urban biodiversity than adding more urban hives.

via Anthropocene Magazine|

#biodiversity #environment #gardening