New research has proposed both a concrete cause for bee colony collapse disorder, as
 

A cure for colony collapse
New research has proposed both a concrete cause for bee colony collapse disorder, as well as a cure.
By Matt Ford
April 16, 2009

http://arstechnica.com/science/news/...y-collapse.ars

http://static.arstechnica.com/Science/beePollen.jpg
There may finally be some good news when it comes to colony collapse disorder. Starting a few years ago, apiarists began noticing that honey bee colonies were dying off in record numbers. A whole host of suggestions were put forward as to why�some reports even attempted to link cell phone usage with the loss of honey bees. Oddball suggestions aside, detailed studies into the DNA and health of the bees found that fungal invaders or viruses were potential causes of the large-scale collapses.

A new study published in the journal Environmental Microbiology Reports may clarify things, as a team of Spanish researchers report the cause of the colony collapse disorder, and also suggest a cure. The researchers isolated the parasitic fungi Nosema ceranae from a pair of Spanish apiaries, while finding none of the other proposed causes�Varroa destructor, IAPV, or pesticides. With the identification of the invading pathogen, the team treated other diseased colonies with fumagillin�an antibiotic�and observed a complete recovery of the colony.

Honeybees play a key role in horticulture as they are significant pollinators of fruit, crops, and wild flowers. They are indispensable to many sustainable agriculture farms, so keeping them healthy is of great concern. While they are important, other research has suggested using wild bees�those that are solitary cavity- or soil-nesting insects�as opposed to large colonies of honey bees, can result in successful pollination as well.

While honey bees are presumably under constant attack from a variety of pathogens, many of these parasites have unknown or, at best, poorly understood molecular features. "Now that we know one strain of parasite that could be responsible, we can look for signs of infection and treat any infected colonies before the infection spreads," said Dr Higes, principle researcher on the project. While this may not be a global solution to the colony collapse disorder, if it can save a few hives, it will be cause for celebration in the apiarist community.

Re: New research has proposed both a concrete cause for bee colony collapse disorder,
 

Missed this thread.
bump.
If you like to eat, you'll LOVE new BEES! Yes, BEES! The marvel of food production and organization of the insect world!
*What do I care? Food comes from the store and I don't even like honey*

....but we'll infinithread on candles or self starvation. Nuts.

Re: New research has proposed both a concrete cause for bee colony collapse disorder,
 

Yes, this research sounds promising. Perhaps we won't be starving in the billions for lack of pollinated food crops after all, but I hear "they" are working on a new angle. Something to do with Swine flu. :wink: