Honey Bee Mystery Solved?
Photo credit: mezzoblue
So where did all the bees go? A group of genetic researchers say they may finally have at least part of the explanation for why honey bees around the United States are dying out in droves, a phenomenon that is sending waves of panic throughout the agricultural industry.
Describing their research on Science's Web site yesterday, scientists say they've isolated a particular virus, called Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV), in a large sample of bees affected by what has come to be known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). The virus, which has also made appearances in Israel and Australia, paralyzes the bees, usually outside their hives. ::Wired News