Scientists found the missing nutrients bees need – Colonies grew 15-fold
18 days ago
- #honeybees
- #synthetic-biology
- #pollinators
- Scientists developed a breakthrough food supplement for honeybees using engineered yeast to produce six essential sterols found in pollen.
- The supplement boosted colony reproduction up to 15-fold compared to control diets, addressing a critical nutrient deficiency in commercial bee feeds.
- The engineered yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica, was chosen for its safety, scalability, and ability to produce lipids and sterols efficiently.
- The study highlights the potential of synthetic biology to solve ecological challenges and improve honeybee resilience amid declining populations.
- Pollinators like honeybees are vital for over 70% of leading global crops, making this supplement a significant advancement for food security and biodiversity.
- Further large-scale field trials are needed, but the supplement could be available to farmers within two years, with potential applications for other pollinators.