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AcrobaticApricot t1_iwellxq wrote

do you think it’s possible that the bees’ lifespan has been negatively impacted by nutrient loss? if plants literally have fewer nutrients it seems like it could have lots of surprising and unfortunate downstream effects that are difficult to detect.

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Digital-Bridges t1_iweo9bl wrote

Certainly. Access to adequate nutrition is one of the major drivers of colony loss, along with pesticides and parasites/viruses. We address these possibilities in the study but this work is the first to suggest a plausible genetic source, which the media seems to have focused on. While I can't say if the article you linked is affecting bees, if it's true I don't see why not. Bee lifespans are short no matter what and they can only eat so much during that time. Sounds like a great research project for a new grad student!

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sillypicture t1_iwezctl wrote

Are you also a bee doctor/nutritionist? Can you fix them/our planet?

Please?

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Digital-Bridges t1_iwg7nu5 wrote

I do not study nutrition directly. My major focus is epidemiology. I have a background in genetics though and have just accepted a bioinformatics position.

Bee researchers are working very closely with beekeepers, farmers, and ecologists so we can improve food security and support the livelihoods of so many who work in agriculture. Progress is slow but certainly moving!

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