Immunity-Related Genes in Leafcutting Bee Uncovered
(PhysOrg.com) -- The first analysis of immunity-related genes in a solitary bee has been conducted by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and cooperators.
View ArticleStudy sheds light on microscopic flower petal ridges
(PhysOrg.com) -- Microscopic ridges contouring the surface of flower petals might play a role in flashing that come-hither look pollinating insects can't resist. Michigan State University scientists...
View ArticleBritish bees tagged to assess pesticide brain damage
British bees will be fitted with radio tags to monitor their movements and see if they are damaged by pesticides, in one of several studies unveiled on Tuesday to probe a decline in pollinating insects.
View ArticleBee pastures may help pollinators prosper
Beautiful wildflowers might someday be planted in "bee pastures," floral havens created as an efficient, practical, environmentally friendly, and economically sound way to produce successive...
View ArticleThe worm that turned on heavy metal
Researchers in South America have studied the viability of using earthworms to process hazardous material containing high concentrations of heavy metal for the bioremediation of old industrial sites,...
View ArticleBumblebee nest boxes don't work
Bumblebees, honeybees, butterflies and other pollinating insects are in decline worldwide. So what better way to help stem their decline than by installing a bumblebee nest box in your garden? The only...
View ArticleWild pollinators contribute more than honeybees
Bumblebees, solitary bees and other wild pollinating insects are much more important for pollinating UK crops than previously thought, say researchers.
View ArticleThe flight of the bumble bee: Why are they disappearing?
A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientist is trying to learn what is causing the decline in bumble bee populations and also is searching for a species that can serve as the next generation of...
View ArticlePlants mimic scent of pollinating beetles
The color and scent of flowers and their perception by pollinator insects are believed to have evolved in the course of mutual adaptation. However, an evolutionary biologist from the University of...
View ArticleWild bees: Champions for food security and protecting our biodiversity
Pollinating insects contribute to agricultural production in 150 (84%) European crops. These crops depend partly or entirely upon insects for their pollination and yield. The value of insect...
View ArticleEU hints at insecticide ban over threat to bees
The European Commission hinted on Wednesday that it could ban several insecticides, some made by German chemicals giant Bayer, after scientists found disturbing evidence of harm to bees.
View ArticleEU stops short of insecticide ban
The European Commission said Monday it would draw up "stringent" measures to protect bees from dangers attributed to certain pesticides, but pulled back from an anticipated ban.
View ArticleEU plans new bid to protect bees
The European Commission said Tuesday it will try again to get member states to back a two-year ban on insecticides harmful to bees whose numbers have been in sharp and worrying decline.
View ArticleEU set to ban pesticides blamed for decline of bees
The EU appears set to impose a two-year ban on the use of insecticides blamed for a sharp and worrying decline in bee populations, an EU source said Thursday.
View ArticleEcological knowledge offers perspectives for sustainable agriculture
A smart combination of different crops, such as beans and maize, can significantly cut the use of crop protection agents and at the same time reduce the need for fertilizers. Integrating ecological...
View ArticleEncouraging signs for bee biodiversity
Declines in the biodiversity of pollinating insects and wild plants have slowed in recent years, according to a new study. Researchers led by the University of Leeds and the Naturalis Biodiversity...
View ArticleWildlife losses now stabilising
Efforts to conserve biodiversity in the UK, Belgium and Netherlands may be working, despite the widespread perception that wildlife is in terminal decline, a new study suggests.
View ArticlePollination merely one production factor
(Phys.org) —No food for the human race without bees? It is not quite as straightforward as that. A case study by ecologists from ETH Zurich in a coffee-growing area in India reveals that pollinating...
View ArticleChanel, UCSB's corpse flower, blooms and causes a big stink
Chanel, UC Santa Barbara's corpse flower, has finally spread her odiferous wings, broadcasting a stench that smells like a cross between rotting flesh and Limburger cheese. "It's disgusting," said UCSB...
View ArticleUsing different scents to attract or repel insects
Flowering plants attract pollinating insects with scent from their flowers and bright colours. If they have become infested with herbivores like caterpillars, they attract beneficial insects like...
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