Skip to main content

Evolutionary history of honeybees revealed by genomics

The first global analysis of genome variation in honeybees has been revealed by scientists. The findings show a surprisingly high level of genetic diversity in honeybees, and indicate that the species most probably originates from Asia, and not from Africa as previously thought. The honeybee (Apis mellifera) is of crucial importance for humanity. One third of our food is dependent on the pollination of fruits, nuts and vegetables by bees and other insects. Extensive losses of honeybee colonies in recent years are a major cause for concern.

View the Original article
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Eradicating fatal sleeping sickness by killing off the tsetse fly

A professor of biology has lent his expertise in understanding insect movement to help shape a UN-sanctioned eradication effort of the tsetse fly -- a creature that passes the fatal African sleeping sickness to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. The tsetse fly is the main vector for Human African Trypanosomiasis (aka sleeping sickness), and spreads the disease by biting humans or animals. The disease affects the central nervous system and is fatal if untreated. For some forms of the disease, victims can reach the terminal stage before symptoms even start to show. View the Original article
Post a Comment
Read more

YMCA campers learn to conserve Monarch butterflies

YMCA campers learn to conserve Monarch butterflies Devin Bartolotta Aug 22, 2014 9:06 p.m.    ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) - Monarch butterfly populations have been in trouble in recent years as their habitats have been destroyed by commercialization. This summer, campers at the Rochester YMCA are learning about butterflies and how they can make sure the insects are still around when they are grown ups. "You have to extend the proboscis onto the cotton ball, and if it drinks, it drinks," said camper Veronika Voss. Class is in session at the Rochester YMCA. "The kids are picking up really well with the butterflies, and the scientific processes that go into them," said camp director Patrick Franko. The kids are getting hands-on experience feeding the butterflies and making sure they're well taken care of. "This is keeping the education alive in the summer and emphasizing and encouraging their curiosity," said Monarch butterfly instructor De Cansl...
Post a Comment
Read more