Search Results (424)

Honeybee products (HBPs), including honey, bee pollen, bee bread, royal jelly, propolis, beeswax, and bee brood, are increasingly used in food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic contexts. Because of their natural origin, HBPs can provoke allergic reactions ranging from localised dermatitis to life-threatening, systemic anaphylaxis. As the use of bee products for health purposes grows in apitherapy (a branch of alternative medicine), raising public awareness of their potential risks is essential. This narrative review synthesises the clinical manifestations of HBP allergy, culprit allergens present in each product, immunological mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, at-risk populations, and knowledge gaps. The analysis of the available literature suggests that, although relatively rarely, HPB may trigger allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock. The sensitisation mechanism may be associated with both primary sensitisation and cross-reactivity and can be classified into type I (IgE-mediated) and type IV (T-cell-mediated). However, bee bread appears less allergenic than other HBPs, potentially due to lactic fermentation that can degrade allergenic proteins. Severe reactions following intake of bee bread have not been reported to date. Management of HBP allergic reactions centres on avoiding the products, educating about the risks, and providing more precise product labelling, specifying the allergen content. Individuals with atopy and beekeepers are at heightened risk of developing anaphylaxis; therefore, they should be particularly aware of the potential dangerous consequences of HPB use. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of HBP allergies and improve safety for all users. Full article

Background/Objective: In recent years, there has been a growing public interest in natural products, including those derived from bees. While most scientific research on bee products has focused on their pharmacological properties, insufficient attention has been given to consumer knowledge, consumption habits and attitudes. The aim of this study was to estimate the popularity of use of different bee products and assess consumer knowledge about them in Lithuania. Methods: An online survey was carried out of the general adult population of Lithuania with 421 respondents included. Results: The study revealed that honey, beeswax and royal jelly were the best-known bee products, while bee venom was the least known one. Knowledge levels varied by age and occupation of respondents—older people and those working in pharmacy, healthcare, cosmetology, agriculture, beekeeping and food production showed better perception. Honey was most often used for treating colds (78.9%), prevention (78.1%) and reducing fever (65.3%). Dietary use of honey depended on demographic factors and was generally low—28.3% consumed it only a few times per year or less. For cosmetics, propolis was the most used product (34.2%). Conclusions: Older individuals and professionals in pharmacy, healthcare, cosmetology, agriculture, beekeeping and food production, demonstrated better knowledge of bee products. Although honey was rarely consumed as part of the diet, older people tended to use it more often than younger individuals. Men were more likely to use honey for treating digestive and circulatory issues and as an ingredient in food and beverages, whereas women were more inclined to use it for respiratory illnesses and cosmetic treatments. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the presence of known bee viruses in the European hornet (Vespa crabro, Linnaeus, 1758), a species recognized as a bee predator in Hungary. Several viruses affecting honeybees (Apis mellifera, Linnaeus, 1758), such as deformed wing virus (DWV), sacbrood virus (SBV), chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), and acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), have been documented in various wasp species. For instance, DWV has been frequently isolated in Vespa orientalis (Linnaeus, 1761), and ABPV has been detected in V. orientalis. Additionally, viruses like Kashmir bee virus (KBV) and Black queen cell virus (BQCV) have been confirmed in other wasp species such as Vespula germanica and Vespa velutina. Despite this, data on virus presence in V. crabro remain limited. Between August and October 2023, we tested 40 adult V. crabro workers, collected from Kiskunlacháza and Vácduka, for viral infections using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Our results confirmed the presence of genetic material from DWV and ABPV infection in adult workers of the European hornet, which showed no morphological alterations. This study provides the first detection of DWV (in Hungary) and ABPV in V. crabro, contributing to our understanding of virus transmission pathways in wasp species and their potential impact on bee populations. Full article

Apis mellifera honey bees are keystone species for agriculture and global biodiversity, yet their populations are increasingly affected by multiple stressors, including the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae. Early and accurate detection of this pathogen is critical to prevent colony losses and sustain pollination services. This study compares qPCR and ddPCR for detecting N. ceranae in bees and hive debris. qPCR is suitable for routine screening, whereas ddPCR offers higher sensitivity and precise quantification. The high diagnostic concordance between the two assays in bee samples, coupled with ddPCR’s enhanced detection capability in debris, underscores their complementary value in apicultural monitoring. This study provides the first experimental comparison between qPCR and ddPCR applied to matched field samples of bees and hive debris, establishing a sensitive and practical diagnostic framework for Nosema ceranae surveillance. The findings support improved diagnostic accuracy and early detection in apicultural health programs. Full article

This study investigates the phenomenon of ethanol hormesis in honeybees (Apis mellifera) infected with Vairimorpha (Nosema) spp., a widespread parasite that significantly impacts bee health and colony survival. Hormesis refers to a biphasic response where low doses of potentially harmful substances may elicit beneficial effects, contrasting with the detrimental impacts observed at higher concentrations. We hypothesized that low ethanol concentrations could reduce Vairimorpha spp. infection severity and improve bee lifespan. In a controlled experiment, foraging bees were divided into groups of infected and uninfected individuals, and each group (N = 50) was exposed to varying ethanol concentrations (0%, 0.0313%, 0.625%, 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%). The results indicated that infected bees exposed to 0.625% and 1.25% ethanol exhibited the longest lifespans and the lowest Vairimorpha (Nosema) spp. spore counts, supporting the hormetic model. In contrast, higher ethanol concentrations (2.5% and above) significantly increased mortality and spore load, reaffirming the toxic effects associated with excessive ethanol intake. This study highlights the complex interactions between ethanol exposure and parasitic infection in honeybees, suggesting that ethanol at 0.625% and 1.25% may mitigate some of the harmful effects of Vairimorpha (Nosema) spp. infections. The findings have implications for understanding how ethanol, present in floral nectar, impacts honeybee health and could inform management strategies for controlling Vairimorpha (Nosema) spp. infections in bee populations. Full article

The federally threatened Neches River rose-mallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx) is a rare wetland species restricted to Eastern Texas, where population recovery depends on successful pollination and reproduction. The reproductive ecology was investigated to evaluate how floral phenology, pollinator activity, and breeding system influence reproductive success in natural versus created populations. Observations and controlled breeding system trials were conducted during 2024–2025 in a natural population (Houston County) and a created population (Walker County). Flowering was extended and synchronous in the natural population but shorter and less synchronized in the restored population. Breeding system trials confirmed self-compatibility without autogamy: fruit set was highest in outcrossed flowers, moderate in hand-selfed flowers, and absent in bagged flowers. Seed set, seed weight, and germination did not differ significantly between treatments. Pollinator visitation was high in the natural population, dominated by the specialist bee Ptilothrix bombiformis (>98% of visits), resulting in high fruit set. In contrast, low visitation in the restored population was associated with reduced fruit production. Pollen receipt varied significantly between sites and was strongly associated with P. bombiformis activity. These results demonstrate that the successful restoration of H. dasycalyx requires not only suitable habitat and planting efforts but also the presence of effective pollinators to ensure reproductive success. Full article

Varroa destructor is a major health problem for honey bees (Apis mellifera). Selective breeding of Varroa-resistant bees is a suitable long-term solution to Varroa parasitism. After three generations of selecting honey bees for lower (resistant) and higher (susceptible) V. destructor population growth (LVG and HVG, respectively), LVG bees showed increased behavioral, cellular, and humoral immunity against Varroa. To further analyze resistance, the transcriptomes of both bee genotypes were examined, revealing that parasitized LVG bees had fewer differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than parasitized HVG bees, indicating a reduced impact by Varroa with greater resistance. Annotations of the altered DEGs showed that both genotypes were affected with an increased demand for energy, protein, and repair during parasitism. However, there were also DEGs in LVG bees, possibly related to resistance, such as up-regulation of odorant binding protein genes and down-regulation of the corazonin receptor gene, whereas DEGs in the HVG bees may be more related to stress, such as up-regulation of ATP synthase and down-regulation of the transcription factor dorsal. Overall, this work shows that selection for LVG and HVG bees resulted in genotypes with widespread differences in gene expression during Varroa parasitism, which may be related to resistance and susceptibility. Full article

The generation of high-quality test cases remains challenging due to combinatorial explosion and difficulty balancing exploration-exploitation in complex parameter spaces. This paper presents a novel Hybrid Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm that uniquely combines ABC optimization with Simulated Annealing temperature control and adaptive scout mechanisms for automated test case generation. The approach employs a four-tier categorical fitness function discriminating between boundary-valid, valid, boundary-invalid, and invalid values, with first-occurrence bonuses ensuring systematic exploration. Through comprehensive empirical validation involving 970 test suite generations across 97 parameter configurations, the hybrid algorithm demonstrates 68.3% improvement in fitness scores over pairwise testing (975.9 ± 10.6 vs. 580.0 ± 0.0, p < 0.001, d = 42.61). Statistical analysis identified three critical parameters with large effect sizes: MutationRate (d = 106.61), FinalPopulationSelectionRatio (d = 42.61), and TotalGenerations (d = 19.81). The value discrimination system proved essential, uniform weight configurations degraded performance by 7.25% (p < 0.001), while all discriminating configurations achieved statistically equivalent results, validating the architectural design over specific weight calibration. Full article

To solve the unrelated parallel batch processing machine scheduling problem (UPBPMSP) with dynamic job arrivals, heterogeneous processing times, and machine heterogeneity, this paper presents an improved artificial bee colony (IABC) algorithm aimed at minimizing the makespan. Three improvements include the following: (1) a hybrid encoding scheme that combines machine allocation coefficients and priority weights, allowing for flexible consideration of machine capabilities and dynamic job priorities; (2) a dual-mode variable neighborhood search strategy to optimize machine allocation and job sequencing simultaneously; (3) a dynamic weight tournament selection mechanism to enhance population diversity and avoid premature convergence. Experimental results show that IABC reduces the makespan by 5% to 25% compared to traditional ABC and genetic algorithms (GAs), with the most significant advantages observed in concentrated job arrival scenarios. Statistical tests confirm that the improvements are statistically significant, validating the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Full article

Background: Acute infections in children are prevalent and often lead to antibiotic overuse due to the lack of evidence-based alternative approaches. Phytotherapeutic, homeopathic treatments and bee products are frequently sought as alternative or adjunctive therapies. This scoping review aims to map the existing evidence on the efficacy and safety of these interventions in managing acute pediatric infections. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases to identify studies assessing the use of phytotherapeutic, homeopathic remedies and bee products in children with acute infections. Gastrointestinal infections were not considered since the use of non-antibiotic treatments (probiotics) in these conditions has been widely addressed. Effectiveness: Phytotherapeutic agents and bee products demonstrated promising results in reducing symptom severity and duration in respiratory infections, whereas homeopathic data were limited and inconsistent. Regarding safety, both interventions were generally well-tolerated, with few adverse events reported. No studies or very limited evidence were available for other acute infections such as urinary, dermatological, osteoarticular and nervous system infections. Conclusions: Phytotherapeutic interventions and bee products, particularly in acute upper respiratory tract and acute bronchitis, show encouraging signals of efficacy and safety in pediatric populations. However, evidence for their use in other frequent childhood infections, such as otitis media, or gastrointestinal infections, is almost entirely lacking. In addition, the available literature on homeopathic remedies is scarce and methodologically inconsistent, preventing any firm conclusions. Well-designed, large-scale clinical trials focusing on these underexplored conditions are needed to clarify the potential role of phytotherapeutics and homeopathy in pediatric infectious diseases. Full article

Nosemosis, caused by microsporidians of the genus Vairimorpha, is one of the most significant diseases affecting the honey bee Apis mellifera L. (Apidae: Hymenoptera), with negative impacts on its health and productivity. This study aimed to assess the presence of Vairimorpha ceranae in apiaries from the state of Campeche, Mexico. Honey bee samples were collected from 79 colonies across 29 apiaries, and DNA was extracted for analysis. Detection of the microsporidian parasite was achieved through amplification of the 16S small subunit ribosomal RNA gene by PCR and PAGE, revealing a high prevalence of Vairimorpha ceranae. The results represent the first confirmed record of Vairimorpha ceranae in this region, with widespread infection detected among sampled colonies. This finding is crucial for identifying the frequency and geographic distribution of this parasite in Mexico and will support the development of targeted management and control strategies adapted to local conditions, ultimately contributing to the conservation and health of honey bee populations in Campeche. Full article

Dearth periods associated with less floral resources negatively impact Apis mellifera colony performance. Artificial diets offer nutritional supplements to sustain bee colonies under stressful conditions. An eight-week feeding trial was conducted using various artificial diets (eight diets, including a control diet), formulated with varying quantities of pulses, yeast, fenugreek powder, vegetable oil, dry apricot powder, and powdered sugar. Colony performance of bees subjected to different artificial diets was evaluated based on diet consumption, brood area, adult bee population, worker bee longevity, honey production, and enzymatic activity. Diet-7, which uniquely combined lupin, mung bean, and chickpea flours, proved the most efficacious and was the most consumed diet (84.29 ± 1.61 g), while diet-1 showed the lowest consumption (35.30 ± 1.08 g). Maximum brood area was recorded in colonies which were offered diet-7 (1385.95 ± 14.91 cm²), followed by diet-6, whereas the lowest was observed in the control (831.03 ± 18.95 cm²). The adult bee population was highest in diet-7 (21,594.50 ± 94.55 bees/hive), while lowest in the control (diet-0) (12,625.43 ± 385.06 bees/hive). Worker bee longevity was greatest in diet-7 (49.40 ± 0.41 days) and lowest in the control group (37.01 ± 0.39 days). Honey production was also highest in diet-7 (8.86 ± 0.21 kg), while lowest in the control (2.79 ± 0.35 kg). The results further showed that the enzymatic activities of bees were significantly improved due to diet-7, with the highest values for amylase (48.62 ± 0.23 U/mg), lipase (16.85 ± 0.20 U/mg), proteinase (25.21 ± 0.18 U/mg), and α-glucosidase (39.21 ± 0.21 U/mg). In conclusion, statistical analyses confirmed that diet-7 emerged as the most effective artificial diet, enhancing colony performance across all evaluated parameters. Future research should aim to optimize diet formulations and evaluate their effectiveness on colony health, including gut microbiome and immune function, across different seasons and ecological regions. Full article

Tall fescue-dominated pasturelands are widespread in the eastern United States and typically lack substantial plant diversity. Establishing native wildflowers into tall fescue pastures has the potential to benefit bee populations and boost pollinator ecosystem services. In this study, tall fescue pastures at five on-farm sites in Virginia, USA, were planted with wildflowers native to North America and paired with sites with conventional tall fescue pastures. Honeybee apiaries were established at the ten locations, and variables related to hive strength were measured over two years. The main study objectives were to: (1) compare metrics of hive strength between diversified and conventional pastures, (2) determine whether honeybees used native-sown wildflowers as a source of pollen, and (3) explore whether native-sown wildflowers were visited more by honeybees and other pollinators compared with nonnative, unsown forbs. Diversified pastures had many more plant species and blooms compared with conventional pastures, but this had little effect on hive parameters. Pollen DNA metabarcoding revealed that honeybee diets were similar regardless of whether hives were associated with diversified or conventional pastures. Honeybees foraged mostly on plants in the surrounding landscape—especially white clover (Trifolium repens) and less so on native wildflowers. Native-sown wildflowers received more visits from native pollinators, however. We hypothesize that the native-sown wildflowers had little impact on hive strength metrics because honeybees had access to abundant, white clover blooms and other flowering species in these landscapes. Native wildflowers that bloom in late summer/early autumn after white clover blooms diminish may be of greater value to honeybees in pasture settings. Full article

One of the essential parts of contemporary cryptographic systems is s-boxes (Substitution Boxes), which give encryption algorithms more complexity and resilience due to their nonlinear structure. In this study, we propose CSBA (Cuckoo Search–Bees Algorithm), a hybrid evolutionary method that combines the strengths of Cuckoo Search and Bees algorithms, to generate s-box structures with strong cryptographic properties. The initial population is generated with a high-diversity four-dimensional Memristive Lu chaotic map, taking advantage of the random yet deterministic nature of chaotic systems. This proposed method was designed with inspiration from biological systems. It was developed based on the foraging strategies of bees and the reproductive strategies of cuckoos. This nature-inspired structure enables an efficient scanning of the solution space. The resultant s-boxes’ fitness was assessed using the nonlinearity value. These s-boxes were then optimized using the hybrid CSBA algorithm suggested in this paper as well as the Bees algorithm. The performance of the proposed approaches was measured using SAC, nonlinearity, BIC-SAC, BIC-NL, maximum difference distribution, and linear uniformity (LU) metrics. Compared to other studies in the literature that used metaheuristic algorithms to generate s-boxes, the proposed approach demonstrates good performance. In particular, the average value of 109.75 obtained for the nonlinearity metric demonstrates high success. Therefore, this study demonstrates that robust and reliable s-boxes can be generated for symmetric encryption algorithms using the developed metaheuristic algorithms. Full article

Bees are vital pollinators that maintain plant populations by transporting pollen among individuals; however, bees are declining, and information on how habitat characteristics alter the catch of bees in traps is needed to better assess monitoring. Few studies have measured how catch in passive traps may be altered by floral resources despite the well-known dependence of pollinators on forbs. We investigated the degree to which pollinating insects were attracted to vane traps and bee bowls placed at sites that varied in flower densities (0–800 flowers/m²). We also assessed if the catch of bees was better explained by flower characteristics directly around traps (subsite) or average flower characteristics at a site. Floral density, richness and surface area were measured in 1 m² quadrats at each subsite. The surface area of flowers explained more variance in bees captured compared to the density or richness of flowers. Traps placed in areas with lower flower surface area captured the more bees and a more diverse sample. Floral resources at the subsite and site explained a similar amount of variance in the number of bees captured, suggesting that pollinators respond to flowers at both scales. We provide a method of correcting pollinator abundance by flower surface area to make catch in passive traps more comparable among areas. We can select sites that minimize or maximize the catch of bees by understanding how floral resources change the effectiveness of passive traps. Full article