Scientists have developed a breakthrough “superfood” for honeybees by engineering yeast to produce the essential nutrients normally found in pollen. In controlled trials, colonies fed this specially designed diet produced up to 15 times more young, showing a dramatic boost in reproduction and overall health. As climate change and modern agriculture reduce the availability of natural pollen, this innovation could offer a practical way to support struggling bee populations.

Using CRISPR-Cas9, scientists engineered a yeast to produce the nutrient feed. Farmers could have it in two years.

  • MonkderVierte@lemmy.zipEnglish
    271·
    5 hours ago

    Soo, beekeepers thought for generations that bees (a animal too) only need sugar to live?

    • Domitian@lemmy.worldEnglish
      271·
      4 hours ago

      Beekeepers dont harvest the Pollen which the yeast is replacing. The lack of Pollen is most likelly a result of Monocultur.

        • BanMe@lemmy.worldEnglish
          141·
          2 hours ago

          Only during specific times of the year, it’s a supplement not a main diet. If you notice your colony doesn’t have enough honey for the winter, or it’s a new colony, or needs medicated, then yes. Otherwise they should be eating their own stored honey made the way they like it.