Scientists develop 'vaccine' to protect bees from pesticides

Scientists have developed a "vaccine" for bees against pesticides - and it appears to work, according to an initial study.

- Helena Horton

According to the findings, published in Nature Sustainability, hydrogel microparticles fed to bumblebees in sugar water caused a 30% higher survival rate when exposed to lethal doses of neonicotinoids, and significantly lessened symptoms in bumblebees exposed to lower doses that would not usually be lethal but can cause harm.

Neonicotinoids harm bees' nervous system, paralysing and ultimately killing them. They are used to control a variety of pests, especially sap-feeding insects such as aphids, and root-feeding grubs.