Scientists hopeful antidote can help protect bumblebees from pesticides

Study suggests hydrogel microparticles increase survival by 30% in bumblebees exposed to lethal doses of neonicotinoids

Scientists have developed a “vaccine” for bees against pesticides – and it appears to work, according to an initial study.

According to the findings, published in Nature Sustainability, hydrogel microparticles fed to bumblebees in sugar water caused a 30% higher survival rate in bumblebees exposed to lethal doses of neonicotinoids, and significantly lessened symptoms in bumblebees exposed to lower doses that would not usually be lethal but can cause harm.

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