The parasitic mite Varroa destructor is a major contributor to the recent mysterious death of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. New research published in BioMed Central's open access journal Genome Biology finds that specific proteins, released by damaged larvae and in the antennae of adult honey bees, can drive hygienic behavior of the adults and promote the removal of infected …
Bees fed resveratrol eat less, live up to 38 percent longer TEMPE, Ariz. – The idea that drinking red wine may provide health benefits – or possibly even extend your life — is an appealing thought for many people. Now, there may be added attraction. Researchers have found that when given resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, bees consume less …
A NEWS ALERT FROM PROJECT APIS M. "We have identified ourselves as being the go-to organization at the interface of honey bees and pollinated crops and others are taking notice. With that defined focus, we are very successful.", so explains Christi Heintz, Project Apis m's executive director. PAm has infused over 1.5 million into honey bee research since its inception in December, …
The impact of crop pesticides on honeybee colonies is unlikely to cause colony collapse, according to a paper in the journal Science today (20 September 2012). More research is now needed to predict the impact of widely-used agricultural insecticides, called neonicotinoids, on honeybee populations. UK scientists from the University of Exeter and Food and Environment Agency highlight flaws in previous research …
Johns Hopkins researchers link reversible 'epigenetic' marks to behavior patterns Johns Hopkins scientists report what is believed to be the first evidence that complex, reversible behavioral patterns in bees – and presumably other animals – are linked to reversible chemical tags on genes. The scientists say what is most significant about the new study, described online September 16 in Nature Neuroscience, is that …
When You See This Label You Know It Is the Real Deal The North Carolina State Beekeepers Association has developed a Certified Label for its members who agree to adhere to certain standards. To qualify for the program honey must be pure honey and not adulterated with anything. If the beekeeper implies that it is produced locally, that must be true. And, if …
ZomBeeWatch.org team is outfitting infected honeybees with tiny radio trackers to learn more about parasitized honeybees SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 6, 2012 -- After last year's accidental discovery of "zombie"-like bees infected with a fly parasite, SF State researchers are conducting an elaborate experiment to learn more about the plight of the honey bees. The scientists are tagging infected bees with tiny radio …
Decline of pollinators will have severe impact on nature and mankind Two-thirds of the crops humans use for food production and the majority of wild plant species depend on pollination by insects such as bees and hover-flies. This ecosystem service, however, provided by nature to humans for free, is increasingly failing. As an example, after 3000 years of sustainable agriculture, farmers …