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Bee behaviour monitored using micro-sensors
bee fitted with micro-sensor
Researchers fitted the bees with micro-sensors to find out more about the threats they are facing.

Global project hopes to identify threats to honey bees

Honey bees are being fitted with micro-sensors as part of a global initiative to help save the species.

Research organisation CSIRO is heading up the project, which is formed of beekeepers, farmers, researchers, industry and technology companies.

Collaborators hope to find out what is harming bees and come up with solutions to protect them.

We are dependent on honey bees to pollinate a third of the food we eat, including fruit, vegetables, oils, seeds and nuts. Yet as a species they are facing serious threats.

Micro-sensors will be used to monitor bee movements in and around hives. As bees are predictable creatures, behavioural changes are often a sign of stress.

CSIRO science leader Paulo de Souza said: "The tiny technology allows researchers to analyse the effects of stress factors including disease, pesticides, air pollution, water contamination, diet and extreme weather on the movements of bees and their ability to pollinate.

"We're also investigating what key factors, or combination of factors, lead to bee deaths on mass."

Image © CSIRO

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.