CSIRO Uses RFI Sensors to Track Flight of the Honey Bee
The Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
(CSIRO) has reportedly launched a new research initiative designed to monitor
honey bee behavior using tiny radio frequency identification (RFI) sensors.
According to a January 15, 2014, CSIRO news release, researchers have for
the first time fitted 5,000 bees in Hobart, Tasmania, with 2.5-by-2.5 millimeter
sensors as part of CSIRO’s efforts to improve pollination and productivity on
farms as well as understand threats to hive health such as colony collapse
disorder. These sensors will transmit information about each individual
bee’s movements whenever it passes a data-gathering checkpoint, allowing
scientists “to build a comprehensive three dimensional model and visualize
how these insects move through the landscape.”
“Bees are social insects that return to the same point and operate on a very
predictable schedule. Any change in their behavior indicates a change in their
environment,” explained lead researcher Paulo de Souza. “If we can model
their movements, we’ll be able to recognize very quickly when their activity
shows variation and identify the cause. This will help us understand how to
maximize their productivity as well as monitor for any biosecurity risks.”
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