Queensland scientists aim to combat threats to honey bees.

A university in Queensland is working on two initiatives aimed at combating the threat of varroa mites to honey bees. These mites are increasingly resistant to existing chemical treatments and are decimating bee populations globally. One project at the University of the Sunshine Coast focuses on extracting proteins from spider venom that can kill the mites without harming bees, while the other investigates genetic manipulation of the mites to eliminate them. Both projects have secured nearly $100,000 in funding from the State Government for further research.