‘Genes’ disaster for bees
THE lifespan of honey bees has halved in 50 years.
They now survive for just over a fortnight, compared to more than a month in the 1970s.
The drop sheds light on colony losses and drops in production, say scientists.
Anthony Nearman, a Maryland University student, said: “We’re isolating bees from colony life just before they emerge as adults, so whatever is reducing their lifespan is happening before then.
“This introduces the idea of a genetic component.
“If we can isolate some genetic factors maybe we can breed for longer-lived honey bees.”