Scientists hopeful antidote can help protect bumblebees from pesticides

Hydrogel microparticles increase survival by 30% in bumblebees exposed to lethal doses of neonicotinoids.
The study suggests that these microparticles can also reduce symptoms in bumblebees exposed to lower doses of neonicotinoids.
The findings were published in Nature Sustainability.
The microparticles were administered to bumblebees in sugar water.
The research indicates a potential 'vaccine' for bees against pesticides.

Recent research has shown that hydrogel microparticles can significantly improve the survival rates of bumblebees exposed to harmful neonicotinoid pesticides. The study, published in Nature Sustainability, found that bumblebees fed these microparticles in sugar water exhibited a 30% higher survival rate when faced with lethal doses of neonicotinoids. Additionally, the microparticles were found to alleviate symptoms in bees exposed to lower doses that are typically non-lethal but still harmful. This innovative approach suggests the potential development of a 'vaccine' for bees, offering hope for their protection against the adverse effects of pesticides.

A study indicates that hydrogel microparticles can enhance bumblebee survival rates by 30% when exposed to lethal doses of neonicotinoids. The microparticles also help reduce symptoms in bees exposed to lower, non-lethal doses of these pesticides.

Hydrogel Microparticles Improve Bumblebee Survival Against Pesticides

Score	Value
Scale	7
Novelty	8
Positivity	7
Reliability	8
Actionability	3
Society	8
Journalism	4

Hydrogel Microparticles Improve Bumblebee Survival Against Pesticides

9/12/2024

[0]The Guardian

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