All honey bees articles
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NewsViral infections at the heart of why honey bees overthrow their queen
Common viral infections shrink a queen bee’s ovaries, reducing both her egg-laying capacity and her production of methyl oleate, a pheromone that normally keeps worker bees loyal. When methyl oleate levels drop, workers will “smell” the queen’s weakness - and begin preparing her successor.
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NewsScreening tool tests bee colonies by mimicking pheromones of death
A screening tool tests colonies for hygienic behavior by mimicking the pheromones emitted by sick or dying bees. The test can identify colonies resistant to several pests and pathogens that can decimate bee populations such as Vairimorpha (known to many beekeepers as Nosema) and fungal infections including chalkbrood.
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NewsHoney bees may play key role in spreading viruses to wild bumble bees
Honey bees may play a role in increasing virus levels in wild bumble bees each spring, according to researchers who analyzed seasonal trends of parasite and virus transmission in bees.
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NewsBees synthesize nutrients for the bacteria in their gut microbiome
Two teams of researchers have succeeded in demonstrating that the western honey bee synthesizes nutrients for native gut microbes.
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NewsResearch on bee virus origins uncovers buzz-worthy breakthrough
A study of deformed wing virus, a key driver in declines among European honey bee populations, show that one of the most common strains, DWV-A, originated in Asia and not Europe, as previously suggested.
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NewsPatrolling honey bees expose spread of antimicrobial resistance
Bees could become biomonitors, checking their neighbourhoods to determine how far antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has spread, according to new research.
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NewsImmune-boosting therapy helps honey bees resist deadly viruses
Scientists have successfully tested a novel way of boosting honey bees’ immune systems to help them fend off deadly viruses, which have contributed to the major losses of the critical pollinator globally.
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NewsUS approves world’s first vaccine to protect honey bees
The world’s first vaccine for honey bees has been approved by authorities in the US.
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NewsNovel insecticides thought safe for honey bees are devastating their gut flora
Insecticides containing flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor damage honey bees’ intestinal flora, especially when used in conjunction with a common fungicide, making them more susceptible to disease and shortening their life span.