The Bee's Knees

We head to the quiet Mediterranean island of Giannutri, where researchers ran a rare experiment to understand how managed honey bee colonies affect wild bees. By temporarily closing the island’s honey bee hives, they watched nectar and pollen levels rebound almost immediately—giving wild bees the chance to take the lead in the pollination network. Dr. Lorenzo Pasquali shares the story from Giannutri which raises important questions about how we manage honey bees in sensitive landscapes if we want both wild and managed pollinators to thrive.

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Small steps can reshape entire landscapes. In this episode, we feature RePollinate, a Scottish charity mobilizing communities and businesses to safeguard the UK’s pollinators. Nick Trull walks us through the charity’s hands‑on projects that breathe new life into underused spaces and help biodiversity flourish.

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Think pesticide assessments protect wild bees? Think again. Dr. Sabrina Rondeau uncovers how soil pesticide exposure threatens ground‑nesting bees; risks overlooked by current regulations that focus only on honey bees. Her research reveals why we need stronger frameworks that reflect real‑world conditions to safeguard pollinators and protect biodiversity.

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Today’s episode takes us to the Brazilian savanna — for a bit of capybara spotting, but for a surprising discovery along the roadside. Dr. Monize Altomare’s recent study shows that even narrow strips of vegetation beside highways can support rich pollination systems and help major crops like coffee and soybeans thrive. If you’ve ever wondered how small spaces can make a big ecological impact, this one’s for you.

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What does your daily AI query have to do with bees? We explore the hidden connections between digital growth and ecological resilience with Dr. Rob Nicholls. His research found fractional warming from AI‑driven data centers translates into real risks for pollinators—from stingless bee colony collapse to carpenter bee habitat loss. Listen to learn how your digital footprint impacts the natural world.

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Season 4 of The Bee’s Knees buzzes in this February with a new call to action: Bee a Hero. This season dives into the surprising ways native bees connect to our lives—from the hidden impacts of technology and pesticides to the hopeful stories of restoration and resilience. We bring together scientists, conservationists, and everyday advocates to share discoveries that spark change and inspire care. Listen in and discover how small actions can make a big difference for pollinators everywhere.

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In this episode, we’re exploring a fresh approach to bee research. Gwen Kirschke is combining remote sensing technology with ecological research to map floral resources across large landscapes. Supported by a NASA space grant, Gwen's research aims to predict where bees nest and forage by mapping the flowers they rely on, offering crucial insights into resource distribution and its impact on bee populations.

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Can having too many honeybee hives in our landscapes be detrimental? Dr. Ainhoa Magrach led a comprehensive review that brings fresh clarity to a long-standing question—how does the number of honeybee hives in a landscape affect wild pollinators, plant reproduction, and ecosystem health? We explore how the overuse of managed honeybees can sometimes undermine biodiversity and agricultural productivity and discuss sustainable practices that can make a difference. 

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Are we planting the right flowers for bees? We’re talking about the surprising dietary habits of wild bumble bees with Dr. Justin Bain who shares fascinating insights into how bumble bees choose their food and why it's essential for their survival. With climate change altering their natural habitats, understanding bee nutrition could be key to effective conservation efforts. 

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What does it mean to live with wild bees in an urban setting? Today we speak with Matthew Donahue who shares insights on how cities can be adapted to support bee populations. We discuss the differences between urban and wild habitats, the impact of bee stings, and actionable steps for creating bee-friendly environments in urban settings. Learn about the differences between bees and wasps, and discover how to coexist with and support these vital pollinators in your own neighborhood.

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Why do some gardens buzz with life while others fall silent? In this episode, Dr. Laura Russo shares surprising findings from her research on floral diversity and bee populations. From urban parks to cattle fields, her team discovered that pollinator success isn’t about location—it’s all about the flowers. Listen in to learn what makes a garden irresistible to bees, and why your landscaping choices matter more than you think. 

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What happens when bees don't eat their greens? We explore Dr. Etya Amsalem's intriguing research on bee dietary patterns and their implications for fitness and sustainability. Find out why even bees sometimes opt for sweets over sustenance and how this insight can shape future conservation efforts. 

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How can we enhance biodiversity in our cities and what is the vital role of urban green spaces in supporting pollinators? We’re exploring the relationship between urban sprawl and native bees with researcher Leonardo Lorenzato. Discover how urban landscapes can support bee populations through a patchwork of parks, gardens, and green spaces. We discuss the importance of resource availability, nesting opportunities, and how diverse plant species and well-connected green areas can make urban environments more bee-friendly. 

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In this episode of ‘The Bees Knees', Shishir Paudel joins to discuss the implications of managing urban greenery as manicured lawns versus letting them flourish as diverse meadows. We cover biodiversity, ecosystem services and disservices, and public perception of urban meadows. Can we increase pollinator populations by understanding and implementing meadow-like landscapes in urban settings? 

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We speak with Leigh Biagi, a dedicated environmental advocate and founder of On the Verge. Discover how Leigh transformed her passion for change into a community-focused bee conservation project, learn about the challenges and successes of her journey, and gain practical insights for supporting native bees in your area. 

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Delve into the critical issue of toxic metals in urban nectar with Dr. Sarah Scott. The conversation reveals how contaminated pollen and nectar pose significant risks to bees, affecting their health and productivity. Dr. Scott shares insights from her research in Cleveland's post-industrial landscapes, highlighting unexpected sources of pollution and offering practical advice for supporting pollinators without compromising their environment. 

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Native bees are essential for biodiversity but face significant threats. In this episode, Dr. Josée Rousseau discusses her research, which uses bird data to predict wild bee richness. Learn about the data sources used, why birds are excellent indicators of bee populations, and how combined data can improve bee conservation strategies. Discover the challenges of tracking wild bee data and the joys of going bee-ing.

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Are sand mines hidden gems for bee conservation? Dr. Nicola Seitz shares the surprising role of reclaimed sand mines as vital habitats for wild bee populations. Despite their industrial origins, these landscapes host a diverse array of bee species, offering promising avenues for bee conservation. We explore the dynamics between sand mines and roadside meadows, uncovering how unconventional habitats can significantly support biodiversity efforts. 

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Discover how abandoned quarries can become thriving bee habitats! Dr. Felix Kirsch unveils the surprising role these landscapes play in bee conservation. By fostering natural habitats within these sites and ensuring strategic connectivity with grasslands, Dr. Kirsch shares the hidden potential of limestone quarries as biodiversity champions. 

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Uncover the hidden heroes of pollination—wild and native bees—and their crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance and food security. Dr. Natalie Lemanski shares fascinating research on seasonal shifts in bee communities and their impact on long-term ecosystem function. Learn how fostering bee diversity can stabilize crop production and buffer against environmental changes. Plus, find out how you can contribute by planting native species that bloom at different times to sustain bee populations and promote biodiversity. 

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In this episode of The Bee’s Knees, we’re buzzing about two global celebrations: World Bee Day and the International Day for Biodiversity. Discover the vital role of wild and native bees in preserving ecosystems, maintaining biodiversity, and supporting global food security. Learn simple, actionable steps to help protect these crucial pollinators and create harmony with nature. 

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We’re exploring the fascinating world of flower foraging by bees with Dr. Jaya Mokkapati. How do different bee species decide between the quantity of flowers and the nutritional quality of pollen? What drives these choices, and what can they teach us about supporting pollinators? Join us to uncover actionable insights that can inspire conservation efforts and transform gardening and farming practices to better sustain our vital pollinators.

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Dive into the world of solitary leafcutter bees and discover how a seemingly undesirable mold could actually be their unlikely ally. Dr. Victoria Luizzi shares their fascinating research on Aspergillus mold, which might offer protective benefits to these essential pollinators. We talk about the leafcutter’s unique nesting habits, the symbiotic relationships between flora and fauna, and how a garden's bare patch can make a significant difference in supporting native bees. 

*The term “foulbrood” was used mistakenly, when our guest intended to refer to “stonebrood.” 

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In today's complex ecosystem, native bees play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity through their vital pollination efforts. However, their populations are under threat from various stressors such as climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. In this episode, we explore these challenges and the actionable steps we can take to support these invaluable pollinators with Dr. Johanne Brunet.

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In this inspiring episode, we're joined by Caroline Wagar from Environment America to explore simple, impactful steps each of us can take to support native bees. From creating vibrant urban gardens to pioneering legislative efforts, discover how small actions can have a big impact on pollinator-friendly environments. Get ready to be energized by creative ideas that engage communities in the mission to preserve bee habitats and foster biodiversity. Tune in now to learn how you can be a part of this vital movement and make a difference for the bees!

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In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we take a virtual journey to Mexico to explore the world of the melipona, a stingless honey bee essential for pollinating the Yucatan rainforest. Join us as Rebecca Robertson, founding director of the Mayan Melipona Bee Sanctuary, shares her captivating story of conservation, culture, and community. 

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Ever wondered how bees choose their favorite flowers? Today we’re talking with Dr. Claire Hemingway who reveals fascinating insights into pollinator cognition and how bees' decisions impact biodiversity. 

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What can be done about the alarming decline in pollinator populations? Today, we’re talking about the PollinAction Project’s impactful initiatives with researcher Leonardo Lorenzato. Discover how creating green infrastructures, promoting economic sustainability, and raising awareness are crucial for supporting native bees, and get actionable advice on how you can make a difference in your own environment.

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Welcome to Season 3 of The Bee’s Knees! We’ll be talking to bee enthusiasts from around the globe, learning about the latest research and everyday opportunities to support and protect our native bees. Tune in for inspiring stories and actionable tips to help support our vital pollinators. The new season starts February 4.

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Today’s conversation explores how extreme temperatures disrupt the chemical communication between plants and bumblebees, specifically their ability to detect floral scents. Dr. Sabine Nooten explains her study findings on the impact of heat on worker and male bumblebees and the broader implications for ecosystem services and biodiversity. 

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In our bustling urban environments, the complex dance of pollination continues, often unnoticed. This week's discussion dives into the intricacies of urban pollination ecology with Dr. Elsa Youngstead, exploring how plants and pollinators interact within city landscapes. From battling air pollution to navigating cityscapes, bees are at the forefront of maintaining biodiversity. Join us as we uncover the dynamic ways in which cities alter plant-pollinator signaling and the innovative research that is paving the way for a sustainable future in urban conservation.

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Imagine sleeping for a couple of months, waking up and realizing you’ve got to build a house, get a job, raise some kids, and feed them. Bumblebee queens go through this every spring and it’s really a critical time for their survival. Today, we’re speaking with Dr. Matthias Becher who shares his research on the seasonal needs of bumblebee colonies, particularly focusing on the critical early spring “hungry gap.”

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How do native bees survive winter's chill? Discover how you can keep them warm and cozy this winter through simple actions like leaving autumn leaves undisturbed and holding off on your garden cleanup. We’ll also share the importance of perhaps unsightly things like bare soil and dead wood. Listen in to create your own cold-weather refuge for native bees.

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In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we discuss the threats facing wild and native bees with Dr. Yi Zhou, an ecologist and entomologist. The discussion focuses on a study in South China's rice fields that revealed habitat loss as a more significant threat to pollinator diversity than pesticides. Dr. Zhou highlights the importance of conserving semi-natural habitats within agricultural landscapes to support bee populations. 

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In this episode, we dive into Dr. Lindsie McCabe's enlightening study on how changing temperatures impact the survival rates of cavity-nesting bees. Conducting a transplant experiment over three years, Dr. McCabe and her team uncovered how elevation and temperature fluctuations influence bee emergence. Discover why generalist bees are more adaptable to elevation changes compared to specialist bees, and what this means for bee conservation efforts in the face of climate change. Don't miss this important conversation on the overlooked aspects of bee life stages and their implications for biodiversity.

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In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we blend technology, science, and the natural world. Join us as we explore an innovative tool revolutionizing bee conservation – BeeMachine. This cutting-edge app utilizes artificial intelligence to help identify and document various bee species, making it easier for scientists and enthusiasts alike. The app’s founder, Brian Spiesman, shares insights into the app’s development and its significant impact on bee conservation efforts.

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Let’s explore the world of the Nordic honeybee, or Apis mellifera mellifera, a subspecies that once flourished across Southern Scandinavia, Central, and Western Europe. Today, in Sweden, a mere 1,000 of the 160,000 hives still house these native bees, highlighting a pressing need for conservation efforts. Mats Niklasson brings his unique background in forest history and ecological restoration to the conversation, offering an insightful perspective on the Nordic honeybee, and the importance of biodiversity, conservation, and the intricate balance of our ecosystems.

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We’re exploring the challenges faced by native bees due to rising temperatures and drier conditions. Dr. Melanie Kazenel discusses her research using a 16-year dataset from New Mexico's drylands, revealing that while some bee species show resilience, about half face potential declines. The conversation touches on bee physiology, the importance of bee size in pollination, and the broader implications of these changes for biodiversity and conservation. 

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What are the indirect effects of honey bee introductions on native bee populations and plant pollination patterns? Dr. Maureen Page joins us to share the unique roles that native bees play in our ecosystems, highlighting their differences from their honey-producing cousins and how these distinctions are vital for the health of our planet. The common camas herb, a key focus of the study, will serve as a prime example of how native bees outperform honey bees in pollination effectiveness, thanks to their unique traits and behaviors.

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How important are rare and declining bee species for pollinating various wildflowers and crops? We’re talking about that in this episode with Dr. Mark Genung who introduces us to ecosystem function theory and the broader implications for biodiversity when we lose species in a community. Our conversation covers significant findings from his recent study, the importance of maintaining biodiversity, and practical steps for conservation efforts.

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