Blog Post #6:Research Introduction, Bugs on Drugs!
Bugs on Drugs, Apis Mellifera
Grace Stringer, Horea Oprean, Brian Tran, Jonathan Hong
A bee is enjoying an apple flower across the community garden instead of the flowers literally right next to the hive.
Brief description of your research
Using fake flowers filled with sugar water spiked with caffeine or nicotine to test the preferential effects of secondary substances on a free-flying bee population.
Clearly state your hypothesis and predictions.
Our hypothesis is that, based off of existing literature, the bees will show preference towards nectar with small (<30 ppm) concentrations of nicotine or caffeine.
Tell us why your group decided to do this research project.
Caffeine and nicotine are both highly addictive substances in humans, but also can be toxic in large quantities. Why would a plant, especially ones that flower, produce a toxin that also is addictive to an animal that eats this plant? It’s possible that the properties of the secondary substances are such that they attract pollinators, who will only consume these chemicals in small quantities, but deter larger animals that eat the plant and consume large quantities of the substances.
Update us about the current state of your research project.
The flowers have been purchased and set up, and the nectar is prepared, and just needs to be spiked. Initial testing will begin on the next sunny day, ideally one above 60 degrees F. We've noticed the bees are more out and about when temperatures are above sixty degrees.
Tell us about any challenges that your group has dealt with thus far.
The weather is an unpredictable force of nature to be reckoned with. It was constantly raining these past weeks and scaring our bees into their home. However, this week looked way more promising with the sun giving us a good start. We hope to take advantage of the sun whenever it is out, and are very sad when the weather is not in our favor.
Provide us with at least one reference for background information for your project.
It does look like you will have nice weather for a while! Is there a certain way you are deciding where to place your flowers for testing, like specific areas or something?
ReplyDeleteI hope the weather cooperates for you soon. The forecast looks promising! What is your plan for measuring the bees response to the additive in the nectar?
ReplyDeleteHow did you decide on which fake flower species to buy? Were the fake flowers randomly selected or based on the bees preferences in shape and color?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, your title is what got me to read about your blog post so good job captivating the audience. I also see comments about the weather and hope you guys get some results! Do you think the bees would be addicted to caffeine or nicotine?
ReplyDeleteSorry that it has been such a struggle to get decent weather. Research is all about figuring out how to run experiments when all else fails... I guess you really got a chance to be trouble-shooters for this project! Keep it up and you will shine in the end. :)
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