Bees, as pollinators, are considered an irreplaceable element in the process of preserving natural ecosystems and food production.
Scientists in Colombia have just announced that they have successfully developed a new food supplement that can protect bee brains from damage caused by agricultural chemicals.
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| This food stimulates bees to develop protective abilities. |
This plant-based supplement was developed at the University of Rosario in Bogota, Colombia, in collaboration with the Department of Neurology at the University of Arizona and the Universidad Javeriana Colombia.
It allows bees to cope with neurotoxins commonly used in agriculture, while preventing damage to their motor systems and memory caused by chemicals.
"This is a nutritional solution to the problem that bees face when exposed to pesticides. This food stimulates bees to develop defenses (against pesticides)," said Professor Andre Riveros of Rosario University.
The formula is made from flavonoids, plant-derived secondary metabolites known for their health benefits.
In the early stages of developing the supplement, scientists anesthetized and trapped bees in small test tubes, then fed the supplement to each one individually.
According to Juan Jose Ovalle, a natural sciences student, the experiment has now been conducted in real-life situations at a university bee farm.
“We already know that there are molecules that improve bee health, as well as molecules that prevent pesticide-induced neurological damage,” Ovalle said, stressing the importance of continued research to improve the effectiveness of these approaches in supporting bees.
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