Scientists uncovered the nutrients bees were missing – Colonies surged 15-fold
5 hours ago
- #Bee Nutrition
- #Synthetic Biology
- #Pollinator Conservation
- Scientists engineered yeast to produce essential pollen sterols missing from artificial bee diets.
- Colonies fed the enriched supplement showed up to 15 times more larvae reaching pupal stage compared to standard diets.
- The supplement closely replicates natural pollen nutrition, supporting sustained brood rearing and overall colony health.
- CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing enabled scalable production of six key sterols using Yarrowia lipolytica yeast.
- Breakthrough could strengthen honeybee populations, reduce competition with wild bees for limited wildflowers, and support crop pollination.
- Larger field trials are needed, but the supplement may reach farmers within two years if successful.