Machine learning is aiding in the identification of chemical substances that deter honey bees…

Machine learning is aiding in the identification of chemical substances that deter honey bees from pesticides, according to the journal "eLife." A significant ecological challenge in agriculture is the declining honey bee population, partly due to pesticide exposure. While some harmful pesticides have been banned or restricted, there is potential to further reduce risks by using repellents that minimize bee contact. Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have developed a machine learning-based method to identify chemicals that can safely repel honey bees from pesticide-treated crops.