Bees, with their role in pollination, are considered an irreplaceable factor in the conservation of natural ecosystems and food production.
Scientists in Colombia have just announced the successful development of a new food supplement that can protect the brains of bees from damage caused by agricultural chemicals.
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| This food stimulates bees to develop their protective abilities. |
This plant-derived supplement was developed at Rosario University in Bogota, Colombia, in collaboration with the Department of Neurology at the University of Arizona and the University of Javeriana, Colombia.
It allows bees to cope with neurotoxins commonly used in agriculture, while also preventing damage to their motor skills and memory caused by chemicals.
Professor Andre Riveros of the University of Rosario said: "This is a nutritional solution to the problem bees face when exposed to pesticides. This food stimulates bees to develop defenses (against pesticides)."
The formula is made from flavonoids, secondary metabolites of plant origin known for their health benefits.
In the early stages of developing the supplement, scientists anesthetized and confined bees in small test tubes, then fed each bee one by one the aforementioned supplement.
According to Juan Jose Ovalle, a natural science student, the experiment is now being conducted in real-world scenarios at a university beekeeping farm.
Ovalle shared: "We already know there are molecules that improve bee health, as well as molecules that prevent nerve damage caused by pesticides," while emphasizing the importance of continued research to enhance the effectiveness of these methods in supporting bees.
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