Chickadees, titmice and nuthatches flocking together benefit from a diversity bonus – so do other animals, including humans

Scientists are learning that diversity has many perks – whether in multispecies groups of animals or human society.

Todd M. Freeberg, Professor and Associate Head of Psychology, University of Tennessee • conversation
Feb. 7, 2023 • ~6 min

How do you vaccinate a honeybee? 6 questions answered about a new tool for protecting pollinators

A vaccine for bees may evoke images of teeny hypodermic needles, but this product works in a sophisticated way that reflects the social structure of honeybee colonies.

Jennie L. Durant, Research Affiliate in Human Ecology, University of California, Davis • conversation
Jan. 20, 2023 • ~7 min

Honeybee lifespan could be half what it was 50 years ago – new study

The report results could help explain honeybee colony deaths.

Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology (Evolution, Behaviour and Environment), University of Sussex • conversation
Nov. 14, 2022 • ~6 min

Bees face many challenges – and climate change is ratcheting up the pressure

Honey bees, wild and native bees face threats from parasites, pesticides and habitat loss. Shorter winters, more extreme weather and more habitat destruction won’t help.

Jennie L. Durant, Research Affiliate in Human Ecology, University of California, Davis • conversation
Oct. 13, 2022 • ~10 min

Charles Henry Turner: The little-known Black high school science teacher who revolutionized the study of insect behavior in the early 20th century

The son of a formerly enslaved mother, Charles Henry Turner was the first to discover that bees and other insects have the ability to modify their behavior based on experience.

Edward D. Melillo, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of History and Environmental Studies, Amherst College • conversation
July 29, 2022 • ~9 min

Beyond honey: 4 essential reads about bees

Bees offer insights into many scientific questions, from cooperating in close quarters to strategies for finding food.

Jennifer Weeks, Senior Environment + Energy Editor, The Conversation • conversation
May 11, 2022 • ~7 min

Farmers are overusing insecticide-coated seeds, with mounting harmful effects on nature

Studies suggest that seeds coated with neonicotinoid insecticides may harm nontarget insects, mammals and birds. In response, states are starting to restrict use of these products.

John F. Tooker, Professor of Entomology and Extension Specialist, Penn State • conversation
Feb. 22, 2022 • ~9 min

We tracked male honeybees for two years to find out where they look for sex

Bees mate in mid-air, where it's almost impossible to observe them.

Joseph Woodgate, Postdoctoral Researcher, Queen Mary University of London • conversation
May 26, 2021 • ~7 min

Baby bees love carbs, experiments show – here's why that matters

First ever feeding experiments reveal that solitary bees need to carb-load – and can be picky when it comes to dieting.

Elizabeth Duncan, Associate Professor of Zoology, University of Leeds • conversation
April 20, 2021 • ~7 min

Feeding experiments reveal baby bees love carbs – here's why that matters

First ever feeding experiments reveal that solitary bees need to carb-load – and can be picky when it comes to dieting.

Elizabeth Duncan, Associate Professor of Zoology, University of Leeds • conversation
April 20, 2021 • ~7 min

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