on 19-06-2020 11:58
Hey guys,
ever since we are celebrating World Bee Day on the community I have been really concerned with those little brown pilots. As bees are having a hard time due to pollution and pesticides, scientist have been researching to find a solution to the problem of pollination.
It turns out that soap bubbles — like the ones you make with a kid’s toy — can carry pollen as they float around. After mounting bubble makers onto the bottom of drones, scientists successfully pollinated a pear orchard, suggesting a possible way to grow crops should we fail to restore bee populations.
Previously scientists attempted to automate pollination by replacing bees that would fly from plant to plant like their biological counterparts.
But the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology found that soap bubbles were far gentler on the plants. Not to mention the struggle of actually building tiny bee robots.
But nevertheless, actual bees are far more effective at pollinating plants and sustaining agriculture than bubble-launching drones. It is our job to make changes so that the bee population can recover. What you can do to help the bees? It is all in this post.
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Let me know below what you think about the bubble pollination. Have you implemented some of the bee helping strategies? Are you going to blow bubbles into fields? I know our resident bee expert @TallTrees might have something to say.
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on 19-06-2020 13:23
Thanks @LukasB
mmm not sure that this is altogether a good idea.
As said, the idea of bubble pollination is a secondary, possible, solution. But does not address the issue of why bees are experiencing difficulties with pollination.
Further to this, has anyone considered whether the idea of the public blowing soap bubbles into the atmosphere is safe?
What if someone who, unknowingly has Covid-19, blows a soap bubble. Spit and air from infected lungs fills the soap bubble. Kids, being kids, burst the soap bubble over people outdoors who could become infected...
on 19-06-2020 13:35
on 19-06-2020 13:35
I agree it is not ideal and not solving the problem why the bees are in trouble @Mi-Amigo
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on 19-06-2020 13:39
on 19-06-2020 13:39
Interesting to see what @TallTrees thinks about this....
I'm not certain. I can't claim an aversion to interfering with nature, as much of the worlds wildlife would now be extinct if we hadn't stepped in.
Veritas Numquam Perit
on 19-06-2020 13:56
Defintely have to look after our bee's, really intresting article LukasB.
on 19-06-2020 14:01
on 19-06-2020 14:01
on 19-06-2020 14:06
on 19-06-2020 14:06
@O2Karl thank you
@TallTrees I got 2 lavender plants on my balcony now and got a little bee pool which is also used by all birds in the neighborhood
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19-06-2020 14:14 - edited 19-06-2020 14:16
19-06-2020 14:14 - edited 19-06-2020 14:16
on 19-06-2020 14:24
on 19-06-2020 14:24
No, I think it's similar @TallTrees
I was actually talking about a species survival.
For instance, the Giant panda would be extinct, if not for the work China has done in the laboratories.
As would Northern White Rhino if not for round the clock work in conservation sanctuaries, artificial insemination and the creation of Rhino embryos.
So definitely a game of survival.
Most of the large zoos in the world have a dedicated conservation programme.
Veritas Numquam Perit
19-06-2020 19:43 - edited 19-06-2020 19:54
19-06-2020 19:43 - edited 19-06-2020 19:54
I agree with you @Cleoriff
Conservation programs are essential. Kew gardens are keepers of the world's store of seeds.
We can take more care of our bees I am quite certain.
I heard a lovely story about Diego the Galapagos Tortoise he has saved the species!
Along with 3 million scientists no doubt🙃
Interestingly quite a few neighbours here have started honey bee colonies, they join a group with a knowledgeable mentor. Small colonies will be the way to go. The colonies are less stressed to produce honey as they would be in a commercial situation. This is the case with any intensive farming.
Intensive fish farming is disastrous for healthy fish.
It all needs more consideration and sensible thinking.
Remember the honey bees at Notre Dame?
Small colonies looked after by caring people.
The way forward.
Edited to say..... thought this really funny
Diego is about 100years of age and is off to retire for about 50 years.......Hecky thump🤣