New Scientific Study Links Bee Deaths to Pesticides
Have you ever heard of Colony Collapse Disorder? This phenomenon has been responsible for the abrupt disappearance of honey bees for the past decade. Research from scientists at Purdue University indicate what environmentalists have suspected for a long time--that this phenomenon is linked to pesticides, specifically, chemicals originating from the German company Bayer. These neonicotinoid pesticides are applied to corn and soybean seeds before planting, are taken up by the plant's vascular system, and then transported to the pollen and nectar. Contrary to previous thought, research indicates that sub-lethal doses weaken the immune systems of the insects and that even tiny doses can devastate an entire hive. Bayer has since not acted to stop the production and distribution of these pesticides.
I believe that bees, plants, animals, and humans alike will continue to become more vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, and other micro-organisms if something is not changed. Responsibility needs to be taken for the harm done to the earth! Companies like Bayer need to wake up to the reality that they are destroying life, and if things continue on this path, there will be no more life to celebrate. What do you think?
Have you ever heard of Colony Collapse Disorder? This phenomenon has been responsible for the abrupt disappearance of honey bees for the past decade. Research from scientists at Purdue University indicate what environmentalists have suspected for a long time--that this phenomenon is linked to pesticides, specifically, chemicals originating from the German company Bayer. These neonicotinoid pesticides are applied to corn and soybean seeds before planting, are taken up by the plant's vascular system, and then transported to the pollen and nectar. Contrary to previous thought, research indicates that sub-lethal doses weaken the immune systems of the insects and that even tiny doses can devastate an entire hive. Bayer has since not acted to stop the production and distribution of these pesticides.I believe that bees, plants, animals, and humans alike will continue to become more vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, and other micro-organisms if something is not changed. Responsibility needs to be taken for the harm done to the earth! Companies like Bayer need to wake up to the reality that they are destroying life, and if things continue on this path, there will be no more life to celebrate. What do you think?
I feel this is great example of how the speed of chemistry of the drugs has far surpassed the biological one. We are able to produce more and more chemicals and put them into the market with out doing the full scale of biological research to find out the effects. It is challenging in that the biological consequences of new chemicals can take a while to study, especially when no immediate side effects are present.
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