RobertB
September 12th, 2007, 08:40 PM
Can Genomics Save The Bees?
Matthew Herper, 09.11.07, 11:30 AM ET
A new way of using gene-sequencing machines could be the best scientific tool for understanding germs since the invention of the microscope. It might help scientists deal with sudden outbreaks like SARS faster and with more certainty. But first, researchers are going to try to save the humble honeybee.
Across America, bees are dying. A quarter of commercial beehives lost half their honeybees last winter because of a mysterious affliction called Colony Collapse Disorder, which causes bees to die en masse. That not only means fewer insects buzzing, but less pollination of crops, endangering the almond groves in California, apples in the Northeast and oranges in Florida.
http://www.forbes.com/home/sciencesandmedicine/2007/09/06/genomics-dna-gene_sequencing-biz-sci-cx_mh_0907bees.html
Matthew Herper, 09.11.07, 11:30 AM ET
A new way of using gene-sequencing machines could be the best scientific tool for understanding germs since the invention of the microscope. It might help scientists deal with sudden outbreaks like SARS faster and with more certainty. But first, researchers are going to try to save the humble honeybee.
Across America, bees are dying. A quarter of commercial beehives lost half their honeybees last winter because of a mysterious affliction called Colony Collapse Disorder, which causes bees to die en masse. That not only means fewer insects buzzing, but less pollination of crops, endangering the almond groves in California, apples in the Northeast and oranges in Florida.
http://www.forbes.com/home/sciencesandmedicine/2007/09/06/genomics-dna-gene_sequencing-biz-sci-cx_mh_0907bees.html