Scientists uncovered the nutrients bees were missing — Colonies surged 15-fold

Scientists uncovered the nutrients bees were missing — Colonies surged 15-fold

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 s

What diet unlocked missing nutrients for bees?

Lab made diet supercharged bee colonies Scientists reported that they identified nutrients honey bee colonies had been missing and then tested the idea using a lab made diet. The result was striking: bee colonies surged dramatically—reported as a 15 fold increase. The study’s significance goes…

Long-Term Study Confirms Pollen-Replacing Feed Strengthens Honey Bee Colonies

PULLMAN, Wash. — A man-made food source provided honey bees a nutritious diet at a commercial scale over the course of two winter seasons, according to a new study led by Washington State University researchers. The study, published in the journal Insects, looked at the new feed as used by five commercial beekeepers in California and Idaho from fall 2022 to spring 2024. This study is a follow-up to an initial paper describing the bee feed. The n…