Posts

Showing posts from June, 2025

Bee–Fungus Associations

Image
" In summertime, Paul Stamets (D.Sc, Mycologist) has noticed in his garden a continuous convoy of bees from his beehive to his mycelium. This was not a surprising event since in the wild, also, the mycelium and honeybee territories are closely located. But, he thought that the bees might be benefiting from the antiviral properties of those mycelial extracts found naturally near their home. This thought led to scientific lab experiments where he cultured the most aggressive (strong against viruses) mushroom strains and prepared the extracts with which the bees would be fed after. The researchers and he wanted to see if the survival rate of the bees would be affected when they feed the bees with these extracts. Nicolas Naeger(Ph.D. Department of Entomology, Washington State University): “Some of these fungal extracts are really good at reducing viral levels in the bee. So here we have a fungus that is reducing virus levels in an insect”.  Scientists and be...

Bee Folklore: Symbolism, Myth, and Cultural Significance

Image
Humans have always found bees to be fascinating creatures, and they have influenced our cultural practices, beliefs, and stories throughout history. They are symbols of diligence, community spirit, fertility, and even spirituality because of their unwavering work ethic, complex social structures, and vital role in preserving ecosystems. Bees are potent symbols that reflect human ideals and aspirations, from the magnificence of ancient Egypt to the various customs of indigenous peoples and contemporary societies. Examining this diverse collection of bee folklore demonstrates how closely linked bees are to our cultural identity in addition to their significance in nature. For centuries, bees have been revered for their productivity and ability to organize society, frequently leading to their near-sacred status. It's evident that ancient societies understood the importance of bees. For example, bees were associated with royal and divine authority in Egypt. As eviden...