When the microbes die

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By targeting hives with probiotics the scientists aimed to reestablish microbial balance in honeybees says Daisley who is a scientific fellow at Seed Health. Alongside a team of researchers from Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute in Canada he delivered three probiotic strains to more than  large commercial hives in California using a spray and a pollen patty infusion.

Both methods were shown to be highly effective at warding off bacterial and fungal pathogens. The probiotics also increased the growth of the targeted hives says Daisley. Partnering with Seed Health the scientists are now developing Mobile App Development Service patents for the strains. Scientists have shown that probiotics can ward off pathogens in honeybee hives Credit Getty Images Scientists have shown that probiotics can ward off pathogens in honeybee hives Credit Getty Images.



Onyeaka warns however that while scientific developments such as trialing these honey bee probiotics and the cyanobacteria discovered in Vulcano are promising it is important to proceed cautiously. Introducing microbes to the environment in large quantities could disrupt local ecosystems while carbon storage may not be permanent she says theres potential for the carbon to be released back into the environment unless further steps are taken.