return of the bees

[sky otter]

this is cool..

http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2013/02/scienceshot-when-sparks-fly.html

Along with sight and smell, bumblebees can detect flowers via their electric fields. Scientists already knew that as bumblebees fly, their wings generate positively charged static electricity. Flowers usually have a negative charge compared with the air, a difference that helps carry pollen from a flower to a bumblebee pollinating it (shown here). Now, lab tests reveal that bumblebees can learn to distinguish artificial flowers providing a sweet solution and having a certain pattern of electric field from similar artificial blossoms dosed with bitter liquids that sport a distinctly different electric field. These results suggest that the insects can also distinguish among natural flowers by their electric charge, researchers report online in Science. This matters because a flower's charge changes temporarily after a bumblebee visits it, possibly helping other bees avoid a flower that's now low in pollen. Furthermore, the researchers contend, if bumblebees can distinguish among blossoms with a lot or a little nectar, the insects won't be turned off by an entire species of flower after a few low-reward experiences.


can't move the vid so i hope it stays long enough to be seen


http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/study-bees-and-flowers-communicate-using-electric-signals/2qi61ypb8?q=newsy&rel=msn&from=en-us_msnhpvidmod&form=msnrll

Study: Bees and flowers communicate using electric signals
It's always been believed flowers use colors, shapes, and scents to communicate with insects, especially bees. But an article published this week in the journal Science, shows researchers believe electrical charges also play a key role in the pollination process.
Date: 9 hrs ago Views: 2047 Video by:  Sci/Tech

[Somamech]

Hey Otter Bee

Is this the Video you wanted to post Love



Way cool

[robomont]

ive always been curios about charges on plants but have never heard of  any science.i thought about it when looking at cedars.most connifers should have a low charge due to all the little points and flower petals and big round type leaves should have a high charge.
cactus may be bastards or giant capacitors.great thread.

[sky otter]

ah no soma.. but thanks

it's here


http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/study-bees-and-flowers-communicate-using-electric-signals/2qi61ypb8?q=newsy&rel=msn&from=en-us_msnhpvidmod&form=msnrll