Most wild bees are solitary, but one tiny species of carpenter bees fastidiously cares for and raises their offspring, an act that translates into huge benefits to the developing bee’s microbiome, development and health, found York University researchers. Without maternal care the pathogen load of these developing bees ballooned – 85 per cent of were fungi, while eight per cent were bacteria – which can impact their microbiome, a critical component of bee health, as well as their development, immune system and gene expression.
India
Costa-rica
France
Toronto
Ontario
Canada
French
Jesse-huisken
Sandra-rehan
Sandra-mclean
Katherine-chau
Mariam-shamekh