Scientists in Colombia developed a revolutionary plant-based dietary supplement in October 2024 that protects bees’ brains from the damaging effects of agricultural chemicals, preserving their vital role in ecosystems and pollination.
As pollinators, bees are thought to be crucial to both food production and the preservation of natural ecosystems.
“This is a nutritional solution to the problem bees face when exposed to pesticides,” said Andre Riveros, associate professor at Rosario University. “The food induces them to develop a protection (against pesticides)”.
Protection from Neurotoxins
In collaboration with the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Arizona and Colombian Universidad Javeriana, the private Rosario University in Bogota, Colombia, created a plant-based supplement that enables bees to withstand neurotoxins frequently used in agriculture without suffering damage to their motor system or memory.
Flavonoid-Based Solution
Flavonoids, which are plant-derived substances with health benefits, are included in the supplement to assist bees develop resistance against neurotoxins that can affect their memory and motor function.
Lab Testing and Real-World Application
While the supplement’s effectiveness in real-world settings is currently being assessed in university apiaries, initial research comprised feeding sedated bees in a lab condition.
Future Research and Impact
“We already know that there are molecules that improve the bees’ health, we already know that there are molecules that prevent neuronal damage caused by pesticides”, Ovalle explained, adding it was important to continue the work to boost the effectiveness of these methods in supporting bees.
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