Honeybees have been in decline for decades, causing headaches and higher costs for farmers who depend on the insects to pollinate their apples, almonds and 130 other fruit, nut and vegetable crops.
The issue made headlines in 2006 with the emergence of a mysterious new phenomenon called colony collapse disorder, but the broader downturn in bee health was underway well before that, and it continues to this day.
She and Rovnyak, a chemistry professor at Bucknell, realized five or six years ago that the problem might lend itself to an interdisciplinary solution. The pair joined forces with colleague Marie Pizzorno, an expert in viruses — as one factor in the insects’ decline is a virus that deforms their wings.
Beekeepers have cited a variety of reasons for the increases, such as higher fuel costs and disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. But every year, a major factor in higher costs is that many colonies don’t survive the winter, meaning beekeepers must scramble to raise new ones in time for the growing season.
Researchers also have established that climate change affects the bees in a variety of ways, Capaldi said. Early warm spells or unusual rain patterns can cause flowers to bloom too early and disappear by the time the insects are looking for nectar.Certain pesticides and other practices of large-scale industrial agriculture also can add to the stress, she said. That includes the way the bees are deployed, trucked from farm to farm where they subsist on one crop for days at a time.
that an amino acid called proline was elevated in the brains of honeybees that were infected with the deformed-wing virus — well before they showed outward signs of disease.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Israel has detained 130 Palestinian journalists in 2022More than 130 journalists were detained by Israel in 2022 in a brazen violation of all international laws and norms that guarantee the freedom of opinion and expression, according to a local NGO
Read more »
Turner, Haliburton help Pacers beat Paul, Clippers 131-130Myles Turner scored 34 points, Tyrese Haliburton had 24 points and 10 assists, including 14 points in the final four minutes, and the Indiana Pacers held on for a 131-130 win over Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.
Read more »
Clippers fall to Pacers despite Paul George’s 45 pointsBooed by fans in Indiana, where he used to play, George pours in a season high for a Clipper in a 131-130 loss
Read more »
Reading minds: Scientists think solution for honeybee decline may lie in insects' brainsHoneybees are at risk, along with the crops they pollinate. Scientists think the solution lies in the insects’ brains.
Read more »
Reading minds: Scientists think solution for honeybee decline may lie in insects' brainsHoneybees are at risk, along with the crops they pollinate. Scientists think the solution lies in the insects’ brains.
Read more »
Harvey Dent As Judge Dredd In Batman #131 Preview? (BatSpoilers)So what happened at the end of Batman 130 from DC Comics? You know, that saw the Batman robot double Failsafe - even one now full of compassion - shoot
Read more »