Nature highlights research findings from Irwin Lab

Prof. Becky Irwin, Dr. Leif Richardson and other researchers in the Irwin Lab, have found that some compounds in floral nector reduce parasite loads in bees 60%-80%.  While the reduction in parasite load did not increase survival rates, these compounds could confer a benefit to bee colonies by reducing the spread of parasites.  These findings were highlighted in the February 26, 2015 issue of Nature.

Leif L. Richardson , Lynn S. Adler , Anne S. Leonard , Jonathan Andicoechea , Karly H. Regan , Winston E. Anthony , Jessamyn S. Manson , Rebecca E. Irwin. Secondary metabolites in floral nectar reduce parasite infections in bumblebees. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 2015 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.2471

To read the full journal artice in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B, please click here.