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Article Publish Status: FREE
Abstract Title:

Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields impair the Cognitive and Motor Abilities of Honey Bees.

Abstract Source:

Sci Rep. 2018 May 21 ;8(1):7932. Epub 2018 May 21. PMID: 29785039

Abstract Author(s):

S Shepherd, M A P Lima, E E Oliveira, S M Sharkh, C W Jackson, P L Newland

Article Affiliation:

S Shepherd

Abstract:

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) pollution from overhead powerlines is known to cause biological effects across many phyla, but these effects are poorly understood. Honey bees are important pollinators across the globe and due to their foraging flights are exposed to relatively high levels of ELF EMF in proximity to powerlines. Here we ask how acute exposure to 50 Hz ELF EMFs at levels ranging from 20-100 µT, found at ground level below powerline conductors, to 1000-7000 µT, found within 1 m of the conductors, affects honey bee olfactory learning, flight, foraging activity and feeding. ELF EMF exposure was found to reduce learning, alter flight dynamics, reduce the success of foraging flights towards food sources, and feeding. The results suggest that 50 Hz ELF EMFs emitted from powerlines may represent a prominent environmental stressor for honey bees, with the potential to impact on their cognitive and motor abilities, which could in turnreduce their ability to pollinate crops.

Study Type : Insect Study
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Additional Keywords : Bee Colony Collapse

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