'Bee' informed: Public interest exceeds understanding in bee conservation. Many people have heard bee populations are declining due to such threats as colony collapse disorder, pesticides and habitat loss. And many understand bees are critical to plant pollination. Yet, according to a study, few are aware of the wide diversity of bees and other pollinators beyond such species as honeybees. Because conservation efforts require substantial public support, outreach is needed to help people understand bee declines and how to protect pollinators. Source 4n.
Correctly used neonics do not adversely affect honeybee colonies, new research finds. Amid mounting controversy over use of neonicotinoids and declining bee population, a new analysis of previously unpublished studies and reports commissioned by agri-chemical companies Bayer and Syngenta -- as well as published papers from the scientific literature -- shows no significant ill effects on honeybee colonies from three common insecticides made by the companies. Source 6n.
Think of honeybees as 'livestock,' not wildlife, argue experts. Contrary to public perception, die-offs in honeybee colonies are an agricultural not a conservation issue, argue researchers, who say that manged honeybees may contribute to the genuine biodiversity crisis of Europe's declining wild pollinators. Source 1r.
Recently in the middle of the USA vandals have purposely knocked over and killed millions of honey bees. This is a sad thing as it had caused one company now to close its doors and these bees will never recover from the vandals. People just do not understand what the bees mean to us and out food. Many people are not helping with our survival by doing things like this.
Honeybees are struggling to get enough good bacteria. Modern monoculture farming, commercial forestry and even well-intentioned gardeners could be making it harder for honeybees to store food and fight off diseases, a new study suggests. Source 5e.
Scientists find evidence of 27 new viruses in bees. An international team of researchers has discovered evidence of 27 previously unknown viruses in bees. The finding could help scientists design strategies to prevent the spread of viral pathogens among these important pollinators. Source 4l.