A study published in Current Biology reveals that queen bees can transfer accumulated…

A study published in Current Biology reveals that queen bees can transfer accumulated pesticides to their eggs when the hive's social defenses fail. Led by Angela M. Encerrado-Manriquez, this research uncovers a protective mechanism that activates only when hive defenses are overwhelmed, potentially jeopardizing the reproductive future of the swarm. This finding is significant as honeybee colonies are crucial for pollinating about one-third of global food crops, and the decline of these pollinators, partly due to pesticide use, poses a threat to agriculture and food security.