News
The Battle of the Honeybees Against the Murder Hornets
April 11, 2024
April 11, 2024
In the face of multiple threats such as murder hornets, climate change, and habitat loss, honeybees in the UK are receiving assistance from AI-driven apiculturists who are closely monitoring various aspects ranging from foraging behaviors to invasive species.
A New Approach to Beekeeping
Pollenize, a social enterprise based in central Plymouth, England, is revolutionizing beekeeping by utilizing data analysis to identify and address issues affecting honeybee populations. Founded by childhood friends Matthew Elmes and Owen Finnie in 2018, Pollenize initially ventured into beekeeping as a means to alleviate their hay fever symptoms. What started as a personal experiment soon evolved into a full-fledged initiative supported by Plymouth University funding.
Harnessing AI for Bee Conservation
As concerns grew over the decline of wild bee populations in the UK, Elmes, armed with his environmental science background, spearheaded the integration of technology into bee conservation efforts. The team at Pollenize developed innovative tools, including a biodiversity tracking system to combat wildflower loss, beehive cameras to monitor the impact of climate change on foraging habits, and most notably, AI-powered solutions to combat the threat of invasive Asian hornets.
The Invasion of the Murder Hornets
Since the arrival of the first Asian hornet in France in 2004, these predatory insects, notorious for decimating local bee populations, have posed a significant challenge to beekeepers across Europe. Referred to as "murder hornets" due to their destructive nature, these invaders have the potential to devastate entire ecosystems. While the UK has managed to limit the incursion of Asian hornets, recent sightings suggest a growing presence on English shores.
Fighting Back with Technology
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Pollenize embarked on a groundbreaking project involving AI-enabled camera bait stations designed to detect and track Asian hornets. By automating the process of locating and eliminating hornet nests, these innovative devices aim to streamline conservation efforts and mitigate the ecological impact caused by these invasive species.
Looking to the Future
With the support of a grant from Innovate UK, Pollenize is set to expand its Hornet AI initiative, with trials scheduled in southeast England under the supervision of the National Bee Unit. By enhancing nest tracking efficiency by up to 80%, these AI-driven solutions hold the key to safeguarding honeybee populations from the looming threat of Asian hornets.
In a race against time, Pollenize and its partners are working tirelessly to ensure the survival of honeybees in the UK. Through the strategic deployment of AI technology, they aim to protect these vital pollinators and preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystems for generations to come.
Source: wired.com
April 09, 2024
Recent research led by the universities of Exeter and Queensland suggests that certain deeper regions of the Great Barrier Reef are currently shielded from the detrimental effects of global warming. However, this protective barrier may diminish if global warming trends persist. The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences under the title "Climate Change Impacts on Mesophotic Regions of the Great Barrier Reef," highlights how mesophotic corals at depths of 30–50 meters could be impacted by changing temperatures.
The findings reveal that the separation between warm surface water and cooler deeper waters can safeguard reefs from heat waves at the surface, but this safeguard could be compromised if global warming surpasses 3°C above pre-industrial levels. Lead researcher Dr. Jennifer McWhorter emphasizes that coral reefs serve as a vital indicator of climate change's broader impacts on ecosystems and species. The study predicts that a 3°C increase in global temperatures could elevate mesophotic temperatures above the critical threshold of 30°C, potentially leading to increased coral mortality and reef degradation.
Dr. McWhorter notes that while mesophotic reefs offer some resilience to current climate conditions, their ability to withstand future warming is limited. The research team's projections indicate that under varying greenhouse gas emission scenarios, bottom temperatures in the Great Barrier Reef's mesophotic zones could rise by 0.5–1.7°C by 2050–60. The study underscores the importance of comprehending and addressing the multiple threats faced by coral reefs, beyond just climate change, to preserve their health and biodiversity.
Professor Peter Mumby from the University of Queensland emphasizes the need for further exploration of deeper tropical coral reefs, cautioning against assumptions that their depth alone can shield them from the consequences of escalating global carbon emissions.
Source: phys.org
April 04, 2024
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources announced that a meeting took place between Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and Mukhtar Babayev, the Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, to discuss preparations for the upcoming 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), as reported by Azernews.
Scheduled to take place in Baku this November, COP29 holds significant importance as the hosting of the conference typically rotates among the five regional groups of the UN. With the Eastern European regional group slated to host COP29 in 2024, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Bulgaria submitted their candidacies. Following direct negotiations between the Administration of the President of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Armenia graciously withdrew its candidacy in favor of Azerbaijan, leading to Bulgaria also stepping back.
As a result, on December 9, the Eastern European regional group confirmed Azerbaijan as the designated host for COP29 in 2024. Azerbaijan has actively engaged in combating global climate change by becoming a party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The country has set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030 compared to 1990, with a further target of a 40 percent reduction by 2050.
Embracing sustainability, the President of Azerbaijan has designated the liberated lands as a "Green Energy" zone with plans to transform them into "net zero emission" areas by 2050. By prioritizing environmental conservation and sustainable practices, Azerbaijan is poised to make significant contributions towards addressing climate change on a global scale.
Source: azernews
April 01, 2024
A groundbreaking living biosensor has been created to investigate the gut microbiome of honeybees, offering valuable insights into their health and conservation efforts.
Traditionally, bacteria like Escherichia coli (E.coli) have been utilized as biosensors to study gut microbiomes in mammals. However, this innovative approach has never been applied to honeybees until now.
Researchers from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland embarked on this pioneering project to better understand how the microbiome influences the health of honeybees, crucial pollinators facing threats. Honeybees are an ideal model for studying microbiota due to their consistent gut bacterial species composition worldwide.
By harnessing synthetic biology techniques, the team engineered a biosensor using Snodgrassella alvi (S.alvi), a key gut bacterium in honeybees. This biosensor, designed to detect a sugar derivative called IPTG, produced a green fluorescent protein in response, allowing researchers to track and analyze molecules present in the honeybee gut.
However, a unique challenge arose during the study - the difficulty of collecting bee feces for analysis due to the insects' hygiene habits. To overcome this obstacle, researchers resorted to gently massaging the bees to stimulate defecation, leading to successful detection of fluorescence in the feces.
While this achievement marks a significant milestone, further refinements are needed to enhance the biosensor's sensitivity and specificity in detecting target molecules. Future endeavors aim to develop S. alvi sensors capable of detecting a broader range of molecules and even retaining memory of past exposures.
Ultimately, this innovative biosensor holds great promise for advancing our understanding of how the microbiome influences honeybee health and behavior. It also presents opportunities for monitoring honeybee populations in the wild, although ethical considerations surrounding the use of genetically engineered bacteria in natural ecosystems remain a topic of ongoing debate.
Source: advancedsciencenews
March 29, 2024
Climate experts and actuaries collaborate on a groundbreaking report titled "Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail," shedding light on the escalating risks of climate change. Crafted in partnership between the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) and the University of Exeter, the report, featuring insights from a Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) actuary, Georgi Bedenham, underscores the urgency of addressing climate-related threats.
The collaborative effort between actuaries and Earth System scientists emphasizes the critical need for realistic assessment and effective communication of climate risks to policymakers. By leveraging risk management techniques, policymakers can make informed decisions, fostering positive change and hastening crucial environmental milestones.
Highlighting the latest climate research, the report presents five pivotal findings:
1. Global warming, with an accelerated pace observed in 2023, suggests a potentially enduring trend rather than a temporary fluctuation.
2. The intensification of global warming amplifies the severity of its impacts worldwide.
3. There's a looming possibility of surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, necessitating a recalibration of carbon budgets.
4. Earth's climate demonstrates a heightened sensitivity to greenhouse gases, surpassing previous estimations.
5. The escalation of global warming heightens the risk of triggering numerous climate tipping points, exacerbating environmental crises.
In response to these findings, the report introduces a groundbreaking framework known as Planetary Solvency. This framework integrates climate, ecological, economic, and societal risk assessments, providing a comprehensive evaluation of nature's capacity to sustain ecosystem services both presently and in the future.
Georgi Bedenham, co-author of the report and a member of IFoA's Biodiversity Working Party, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute expertise garnered from disaster-risk projects. Collaborating with scientists and fellow actuaries within the sustainability community, Bedenham underscores the significance of their collective effort in producing a pivotal document.
In essence, the collaborative report serves as a clarion call for concerted action, urging policymakers and stakeholders to heed the warnings of climate science. By embracing innovative frameworks and leveraging interdisciplinary expertise, society can navigate the complex landscape of climate risks, safeguarding the planet for future generations.
Source: gov.uk
March 27, 2024
Recent research has shed light on a concerning trend for honey bees as longer and warmer fall seasons pose a risk of colony collapse. The diligent work ethic of these essential pollinators, combined with climate change effects, could have detrimental consequences for bee populations.
The study, detailed in Scientific Reports and spearheaded by lead author Kirti Rajagopalan from Washington State University, focused on the Pacific Northwest region but carries implications for honey bee colonies nationwide. Researchers utilized climate and bee population models to demonstrate how extended autumns with favorable flying conditions lead to a higher likelihood of colony collapse come springtime.
Worker honey bees, driven by their instinct to forage for food whenever temperatures permit, face challenges as they age prematurely due to excessive flying. This behavior depletes their energy reserves and ultimately weakens the colony structure. The simulations conducted projected that colonies wintering outside in various regions would experience significant declines in adult bee populations, which could trigger collapses in both short-term and long-term scenarios.
To counteract this alarming trend, the researchers explored a potential solution: placing honey bee colonies in indoor cold storage during the fall and winter months. This strategy aims to prevent premature aging and depletion of worker bees, thus safeguarding the overall health and stability of the hive. By clustering indoors, bees can conserve energy and resources, leading to a more robust population come spring.
The study highlighted that while honey bee colonies in colder regions like Omak may fare better under climate change, those in areas such as Richland face a stark decline in hive populations if left outdoors during winter. By implementing cold storage practices, hive populations could see a significant boost, ensuring their survival and productivity in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Moreover, the research emphasized the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on bee populations. Cold storage, a method gaining traction among commercial beekeepers, not only aids in managing bee health but also offers logistical benefits for hive transportation and pollination activities.
In conclusion, the findings underscore the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by honey bees in the wake of climate change. By implementing innovative strategies such as cold storage, beekeepers can play a crucial role in preserving these vital pollinators and ensuring the sustainability of bee populations in the future.
Source: eurekalert
March 19, 2024
A recent study from the University of Colorado Boulder indicates that the Arctic region could witness summer days with minimal sea ice within the next few years. The study, published in the journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, suggests that the Arctic might experience its first ice-free day sooner than previously estimated, potentially occurring over a decade earlier than expected.
By the middle of this century, the Arctic is projected to see a month without floating ice during September, the month when sea ice coverage is at its lowest. Towards the end of the century, the ice-free season could extend to several months annually, depending on future emission scenarios. Under high-emission scenarios, the Arctic could even be consistently ice-free in some winter months.
The definition of "Ice-Free" in the Arctic is when the ocean has less than 1 million square kilometers of ice, which is less than 20% of the region's seasonal minimum ice cover in the 1980s. This threshold represents a significant decrease compared to recent years when the Arctic Ocean had around 3.3 million square kilometers of sea ice area in September.
Researchers emphasize that predicting the timing of the first ice-free conditions in the Arctic is crucial for understanding future changes in the region. The study highlights that greenhouse gas emissions are the primary drivers of sea ice loss, leading to potential impacts on Arctic wildlife and coastal communities.
While the prospect of an ice-free Arctic is concerning, researchers point out that Arctic sea ice has demonstrated resilience in the past. They suggest that even if all Arctic sea ice melts due to warming, it could potentially return within a decade if measures are taken to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.
In conclusion, while the Arctic's transition to an ice-free state seems inevitable, efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions remain crucial to minimize the extent and duration of ice-free conditions in the region.
Source: scitechdaily
March 16, 2024
In a bid to align with global climate goals, Azerbaijan, a nation heavily reliant on oil and gas exports, is gearing up to revise its climate commitments ahead of hosting the upcoming COP29 summit in Baku. The current targets, aiming for a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 40% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels, fall short of the ambitious net zero target required by scientists to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change.
Mukhtar Babayev, the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, revealed that Azerbaijan is in the early stages of exploring updates to its national climate action plan, known as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Speaking at a conference in London, Babayev emphasized the importance of this opportunity for Azerbaijan and all nations to unveil enhanced NDCs during the summit in November.
The move by Azerbaijan comes in response to a call by Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, urging countries to strengthen their climate commitments up to 2035, enhance emissions reduction targets for 2030, and allocate more funding for climate initiatives. Stiell highlighted the critical role of revised NDCs and 2030 targets in steering the world towards a trajectory that aligns with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Despite facing criticism for his ties to the oil and gas industry, Babayev expressed Azerbaijan's commitment to diversifying its energy mix by increasing the share of renewable sources to 30% by 2030. The country, abundant in untapped wind and solar resources, currently relies heavily on fossil fuels for energy production. Babayev has initiated discussions with various stakeholders to secure additional financing aimed at supporting developing nations in transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
The COP29 summit in Baku is poised to be a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change, testing governments' resolve following recent elections in key countries. With COP29 serving as a deadline for countries to establish a new global climate finance target to assist vulnerable nations in addressing climate challenges, the pressure is on for nations to step up their commitments. While last year's COP28 summit marked progress with the agreement to shift away from fossil fuels, the full phase-out sought by numerous countries remained elusive.
Source: usnews
March 13, 2024
A recent study conducted at a university has uncovered that honeybees have the ability to interpret dances performed by their fellow hive mates, which serve as directions to food sources. The research sheds light on how each bee relies on its antennae to decode the information conveyed through these dances, even in the darkness of the hive.
For decades, scientists have been aware of honeybees performing waggle dances to indicate the direction and distance to food outside the hive. However, the method by which bees surrounding the dancing bee comprehend this information has remained a mystery until now.
By delving deeper into bee communication, researchers hope to gain insights into how factors like habitat destruction and pesticide use impact bees' foraging abilities. A team from the University of Edinburgh made this breakthrough by studying honeybees at an apiary on campus and employing computational models to simulate their cognitive processes.
Using slow-motion filming and high-resolution imaging under infrared light, researchers were able to closely monitor the movements of bees' antennae during waggle dances, which are typically too fast for the human eye to perceive clearly.
The study revealed that bees adjust the position of their antennae in response to the dancer's movements, enabling them to decipher dances from various angles by combining signals from their antennae with their sense of gravity. This intricate process involves the integration of sensory information by fewer than one hundred neurons in the bee's brain to determine the angle and distance to the food source indicated in the dance.
The findings of this research have been published in the journal Current Biology and were supported by various funding sources. PhD student Anna Hadjitofi expressed excitement over the discovery of the bees' efficient neural mechanism for processing complex information with minimal resources. Professor Barbara Webb highlighted the potential of understanding insect brain functions in developing more compact and energy-efficient computing systems.
Source: theedinburghreporter
March 09, 2024
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