Abstract

Abstract

Overview

Urban beekeeping has seen an uptick of interest, positioning honey bees in city environments where they are exposed to various electromagnetic fields. Despite the emerging practice, scientific understanding remains limited concerning how these fields influence insect physiology and behavior, particularly in honey bees.

Findings

This study was among the first to explore how radiofrequency electromagnetic fields impact the nutrition of honey bees, specifically examining changes in total proteins, glucose, triglycerides, and TAS activity in bee hemolymph. The research employed 2-day-old Carniolan worker bees, exposing them to varying intensities and durations of electromagnetic fields. Biochemical markers were assessed post-exposure, with significant findings showing disruptions in the nutrition levels of honey bees when compared to control groups.

Conclusion

These disruptions in key nutritional biomarkers suggest potential long-term effects on honey bee populations. The study underscores the need for further research into the impact of urban environmental factors on bee health and behavior.