Study Examines Insects’ Role in Plastic Pollution
When plastic debris pollutes soil ecosystems, some insects may play a role in spreading it by breaking it down into microplastic particles. A new study sheds light on this dynamic by looking at a variety of soil invertebrates and their taste for polystyrene.
Social Patterns That Resist Varroa Mite Seen in Honey Bees for First Time
In the search for new avenues to protect honey bees (Apis mellifera) from Varroa mites, researchers have identified breeds of A. mellifera that show signs of "social apoptosis," a defense mechanism common in Asian bees that are resistant to Varroa infestation.
Why Industrial Agriculture Puts Honey Bees in Peril
A honey bee researcher argues that the biggest threat to honey bees is the industrial agriculture systems they're bred to support, and she urges colleagues to reframe the scope of their research on honey bee health.
Where Giant Honey Bees Rest Their Wings During Annual Migration
A bee researcher describes the discovery of a "stopover" site in Thailand where Apis dorsata honey bee swarms gather to rest during their annual migration between highland and lowland nesting sites.