Newly-named 2010 MacArthur Fellow Marla Spivak knows something about the tough times honeybees have been going through. She's an entomologist whose work focuses on protecting the honeybee from threats to its survival from Varroa mites and other diseases. She has found that some strains of bees engage in "hygienic behavior" - they actually detect and remove infected pupae from the hive. She has bred disease-resistant strains such as her "Minnesota Hygienic" strain, allowing beekeepers to avoid chemical pesticides and still have healthy bees.
Learn more about how to keep your own bees:
- A Beginner's Guide to Beekeeping
- Setting Up Your Beehive
- Are Bees Right For You?
- What Is Colony Collapse Disorder?
Congratulations to Marla! I hope her work helps the honeybees survive and thrive.
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