Early spring brings a ‘hungry gap’ for bees – here’s how you can help

Check that something is blooming every week, March through October, to help bees.

Matthias Becher, Associate Research Fellow in Behavioural Ecology, University of Exeter • conversation
March 28, 2024 ~7 min

Solar power occupies a lot of space – here’s how to make it more ecologically beneficial to the land it sits on

Solar development isn’t always good for the land, but pairing it with agriculture can produce multiple benefits.

Matthew Sturchio, PhD Student in Plant and Ecosystem Ecology, Colorado State University • conversation
March 12, 2024 ~8 min


Wild solitary bees offer a vital pollination service – but their nutritional needs aren’t understood

The nutritional needs of bees are complex and monoculture crops aren’t providing a diverse diet. Introducing more diverse wildflower meadows and green spaces could benefit wild pollinators.

Ellen Baker, PhD Candidate, Nutritional Ecology, University of Oxford • conversation
March 1, 2024 ~6 min

'Inert' ingredients in pesticides may be more toxic to bees than scientists thought

Inert ingredients are added for purposes other than killing pests and are not required under federal law to be tested for safety or identified on pesticide labels.

Jennie L. Durant, Research Affiliate in Human Ecology, University of California, Davis • conversation
Dec. 5, 2023 ~10 min

Ivy, dandelions and other common wildflowers are often seen as weeds – but they're a crucial resource for pollinating insects

Native common wildflowers provide large amounts of pollen and nectar for insects – but many are undervalued by the public.

Nick Balfour, Research Technician in the School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex • conversation
Aug. 7, 2023 ~7 min

Why there are fewer insects on UK farms than there were a century ago -- and how to restore them

Farms have become less friendly for our insect friends – this must be reversed if we want food to eat.

Tom Breeze, Senior Research Fellow, University of Reading • conversation
July 5, 2023 ~8 min

Dandelions are a lifeline for bees on the brink – we should learn to love them

Before you reach for the weed killer, spare a thought for struggling pollinators.

Philip Donkersley, Senior Research Associate in Entomology, Lancaster University • conversation
April 27, 2023 ~7 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


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

Do humans really need other species?

People wouldn’t last long without the countless other species we depend on for survival.

Tom Langen, Professor of Biology, Clarkson University • conversation
Aug. 29, 2022 ~9 min

/

5