“Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.” – Rosalind Franklin By Amelia Buckley Several years ago, every member of my family unwrapped a bulky rain gauge on Christmas morning. A gift from my data-loving grandfather, the rain gauges were so that we … [Read more...] about The Optimist View: The surge and success of citizen science
Birds, Bees, & Bugs
Researchers create the first global map of bee species
There are over 20,000 species of bees around the globe, but information on the location and population health of different species is sparse. In an effort to bolster bee conservation, biologists have created the first modern map of all the bee species around the … [Read more...] about Researchers create the first global map of bee species
Europe’s top court upholds French ban on bee-harming pesticides
In 2018, the French government placed a ban on the use of certain pesticides that harm bees. These pesticides belong to the neonicotinoid group's family of chemicals and are based on the chemical structure of nicotine. They were introduced in the mid-1990s and work by attacking … [Read more...] about Europe’s top court upholds French ban on bee-harming pesticides
Bee populations are on the rise in these US states
Maine has some of the healthiest bee colonies in the US. Believe it or not, bee populations in the state have actually increased 72 percent since 2018. While bees are still a threatened species, this research by the United States Department of Agriculture is good news for the … [Read more...] about Bee populations are on the rise in these US states
Honeybee venom can kill aggressive breast cancer cells
Honeybees hold the key to our agricultural systems, but it turns out they may also have other amazing healing powers. A study from the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research shows honeybee venom could treat triple-negative breast cancer, a type that currently has limited … [Read more...] about Honeybee venom can kill aggressive breast cancer cells
