Covid (the disease) is caused by a virus called SARS-Cov-2. SARS is an abbreviation of severe acute respiratory syndrome and the suffix ‘Cov’ indicates that it’s a coronavirus. The final digit (2) shows that it’s the second of this type of virus that has caused a pandemic. The first was in 2003, and was caused by […]
Buckle up. After a gentle tale of bad beekeeping last week I think it’s time for a bit of science. Does deformed wing virus replicate in Varroa mites? Actually, do any pathogenic virus of honey bees replicate in mites? Does it matter? Not really … in comparison to the 2.1 billion people who don’t have […]
Synopsis : Our recent study on landscape-scale coordinated Varroa control suggest there are benefits for colony health. I know it makes sense, but how many actually do it? Introduction In the magnum opus last week I discussed how bees discriminate nestmates from non-nestmates at the hive entrance. Inevitably I had to discuss the processes of […]
Synopsis : Interpreting waggle dance distances as indicators of seasonal foraging challenges, environmental change and pollinator competition. Introduction The days are getting longer, though not enough to really notice. At almost 57° N we’ve apparently gained ~26 minutes since the winter solstice … but I’ve not seen a bee since early December. Actually, that’s not […]
Synopsis : Often made, less often kept. How to improve your health, wealth and generosity … good habits for the season ahead, plus wildfires, bananas and XXXL beesuits. New Year’s Resolutions for beekeepers. Introduction Historically, the Babylonians used the start of their New Year as an opportunity to clear old debts, return a kindness or […]