bees

A tractor pulls a planter while distributing corn seed on a field in Malden, Ill. Two scientists agree that pesticide-laden dust from planting equipment kills bees. But they're proposing different solutions, because they disagree about whether the pestici

Two Scientists, Two Different Approaches To Saving Bees From Poison Dust

8:00am May 27, 2017

by Dan Charles

Two scientists agree that pesticide-laden dust from planting equipment kills bees. But they're proposing different solutions, because they disagree about whether the pesticides are useful to farmers.

The insect-sized drones use horse hairs coated with ionic liquid gel to mimic the fuzzy exterior of bees and provide an electric charge to keep the grains attached.

Science

Rise Of The Robot Bees: Tiny Drones Turned Into Artificial Pollinators

8:00am March 03, 2017

by Crystal Ponti

Honeybees are a critical part of agriculture, pollinating many of our favorite crops. But bee deaths are on the rise. In Japan, scientists are testing whether insect-sized drones can help do the job.

Bumblebees have 100,000 times fewer neurons than humans do, but they can learn new skills quickly when there's a sweet reward at the end.

Could A Bumblebee Learn To Play Fetch? Probably

11:19am February 24, 2017

by Rae Ellen Bichell

Scientists found that bumblebees are nimble learners, especially when there's a sugary reward at the end. No wonder they're such good pollinators.

Beekeepers Glen Andresen and Tim Wessels are trying to breed a honey bee that is more resilient to colder climates.

Crop-Protecting Fungicides May Be Hurting The Honey Bees

9:00am February 16, 2017

by Eilís O'Neill

Bees have been dying in unprecedented numbers. A new study has found that fungi-destroying chemicals may make it harder for bees to metabolize their food. And if they can't get energy, they can't fly.

The U.S. has designated the rusty patched bumblebee an endangered species.

National

U.S. Puts Bumblebee On The Endangered Species List For 1st Time

7:22pm January 11, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

The protected designation for the rusty patched bumblebee is also the first of its kind for a bee species in the continental U.S. It has seen a dramatic decline in numbers and territory.

Many large-scale farms rely heavily on immigrant labor. And many farmers are opposed to Donald Trump's strong stance against illegal immigrant.

Big Battles Over Farm And Food Policies May Be Brewing As Trump Era Begins

3:30pm December 28, 2016

President-elect Donald Trump hasn't said much about food and farm policy or named his choices for top food-related jobs. But the coming years will likely see profound battles over food and nutrition.

Pesticides called "neonics" are popular among farmers, but also have been blamed for killing bees. In Canada, the province of Ontario is trying to crack down on neonics, with mixed results.

Cut Down On Bee-Killing Pesticides? Ontario Finds It's Easier Said Than Done

6:44pm October 18, 2016

by Dan Charles

Pesticides called "neonics" are popular among farmers, but also have been blamed for killing bees. In Canada, the province of Ontario is trying to crack down on neonics, with mixed results.

Queue Listen Now

Bees Added To U.S. Endangered Species List For 1st Time

5:15pm October 03, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Seven species of the yellow-faced bee, which is the only bee native to Hawaii, have been designated as endangered. They're known for their yellow-to-white facial markings.

Beekeepers inspect bee frames at the Hudson Gardens community apiary near Littleton, Colo. Modeled after community gardens, community apiaries allow beekeepers to maintain hives in public spaces — and offer each tips and support.

National

Beekeepers Benefit From The Hive Mind In Community Apiaries

7:00am September 28, 2016

by Jodi Helmer

Modeled after community gardens, the sweet setups allow beekeepers to maintain hives in public spaces. Beekeepers harvest not just honey but the collective knowledge of their colleagues.

Minnesota's governor has ordered new restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been blamed for killing bees. Many details of the plan, however, remain to be worked out.

Minnesota Cracks Down On Neonic Pesticides, Promising Aid To Bees

4:05pm August 31, 2016

by Dan Charles

Minnesota's governor has ordered new restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been blamed for killing bees. Many details of the plan, however, remain to be worked out.