To read an article entitled,
http://southwestfarmpress.com/government/researchers-honing-bee-colony-collapse-disorder?page=2
Accordng to an article entitled "Pheromone increases foraging honey bees, leads to healthier hives" which you can read by clicking on the following link:
http://scienceblog.com/42692/pheromone-increases-foraging-honey-bees-leads-to-healthier-hives/
"The application of a naturally occurring pheromone to honey bee test colonies increases colony growth resulting in stronger hives overall, according to a new study conducted by scientists at Oregon State University and Texas A&M University." "A pheromone (from Greek φέρω phero "to bear" + hormone from Greek ὁρμή - "impetus") is a secreted or excreted chemcial factor that triggers a social response in members of the same species. Pheromones are chemicals capable of acting outside the body of the secreting individual to impact the behavior of the receiving individual.These chemical messengers are transported outside of the body and result in a direct developmental effect on hormone levels or behavioral change" (source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheromone )
"The study, which appeared this week in the journal, PLoS ONE, comes amid national concern over the existence of honey bee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) — a combination of events that result in the death of a bee colony. The causes behind CCD remain unknown, but researchers are focusing on four possible contributing factors: disease, pests, environmental conditions and nutrition."
What can an individual do to help bees during this time of Colony Collapse Disorder?
Here are a few things you can do:
Reduce or eliminate pesticides in your yard.
Leave dandelions in your yard. Their flowers are a welcome sight to bees in early spring.
Plant an apple tree; bees love the blossoms.
Source:http://peekskill.patch.com/articles/disorder-continues-to-plague-bees-challenge-scientists
Another possible aid to bees is to possess a smartphone when you are outside.How can having a smartphone help bees? Please read the article "Smartphones may help prevent bee hive collapses" by clicking on the following link:
http://wirelessfederation.com/news/35853-smartphones-may-help-prevent-bee-hive-collapses/
To my way of thinking Media coverage of Colony Collapse disorder has been shameful and totally inadequate!! I am not alone in my condemnation of the media relating to CCD. To read an article entitled,
"The Media Neglect The Biggest Story of All: Bees Dying, Famine Looming", please click on the following link:
http://thesop.org/story/20110228/the-media-neglect-the-biggest-story-of-all-bees-dying-famine-looming.html
Source of image:http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/wp-content/uploads/honeybee-5.jpg
Please watch the following Trailer of the important documentary "Vanishing of the Bees" to educate yourself about bees and CCD:
Vanishing of the Bees - Trailer from Bee The Change on Vimeo.
