In the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, an extraordinary effort is underway to save a unique and crucial pollinator: the melipona bee. This tropical stingless bee is not just vital for biodiversity but deeply intertwined with the Mayan culture. Join …
Have you ever wondered why bees don’t always choose the flowers that seem to offer the best buffet of nectar and pollen? Dr. Claire Hemingway has been studying the complex decisions bees make as they navigate a landscape blooming with …
Pollinators and the Art of Choice: Navigating the Chemistry of Floral Rewards (Ep. 48) Read more »
Both wild pollinators and honeybees provide numerous benefits to society, from food security to the conservation of biodiversity. Today we’re talking about the PollinAction project whose goal is to mitigate the pollination crisis through strategic planning and implementation of green …
From Bloom to Boom: How PollinAction is Reviving Pollinator Populations (Ep. 47) Read more »
Welcome to Season 3 of The Bee’s Knees! This season we’ll be highlighting bee enthusiasts even more than ever. From those ardent researchers who continue their quest for knowledge and generously share it with us to the local defenders who …
Bees + flowers = pollination. Climate change is turning up the heat on our native bees. A new study shows that when temperatures soar, bumblebees struggle to pick up on the scents of flowers, which is very important for their …
Scent of Survival: How do Heatwaves Impact Bumblebees? (Ep. 45) Read more »
Today, we’re taking a compelling look at the intersection of pollination and urban ecology, showcasing the resilience of nature amid the ongoing challenges of city life. Bees and other pollinators grapple with obstacles such as air pollution, artificial lighting, and …
Urban Buzz: Transforming Pollination in Cityscapes (Ep. 44) Read more »
In the vibrant tapestry of our ecosystem, bees play an indispensable role. Yet, these industrious pollinators face tremendous challenges, particularly during critical periods of their life cycles. Today we discuss the “hungry gap,” a pivotal time in early spring when …
Spring and summer aren’t the only important seasons in a native bee’s life. In some ways, a good winter means a successful spring emergence. You can lend a helping hand by creating a welcoming winter habitat; simple actions that will …
Winter Warriors: How to Help Overwintering Bees (Ep 42) Read more »
Habitat loss might not grab headlines like pesticides do, but it plays a critical role in pollinator diversity. We talk with Dr. Yi Zhou whose research in South China found semi-natural habitats provide essential nesting and food resources for mason …
From Fields to Food: The Hidden Impact of Agricultural Intensification (Ep. 41) Read more »
Bees serve as a vital indicator species for the health of our ecosystem. Today, we’re looking at research that not only broadens our understanding of how climate change affects bees but also emphasizes the urgent need to protect these pollinators …
Highs and Lows: How Elevation and Temperature Impact Bee Survival (Ep. 40) Read more »