Researchers track honeybee movements using tiny QR codes

In the summer of 2023, researchers at Penn State University initiated a groundbreaking study to better understand the foraging behavior and hive dynamics of honeybees. To achieve this, they glued tiny QR codes, each smaller than a pinky nail, to the backs of young bees. This innovative method enables researchers to track the movement of over 32,000 marked bees as they enter and exit their hives, offering insights into their travel habits and the time spent foraging for pollen and nectar. The study aims to unravel the complex relationships within bee populations and their surrounding environment. The QR codes serve as unique identifiers for individual bees, enabling cameras equipped with sensors to monitor them effectively. As each bee passes under a camera, the system records whether they are leaving or returning to the hive. The researchers noted that most trips are short, as bees quickly return to unload their collected resources. By understanding these movements, scientists hope to develop better practices for organic beekeeping, which currently faces challenges related to land area regulations in the U.S. Additionally, the study is part of a larger project looking to track bees not only through time but also through space. The planned collaboration with Virginia Tech aims to connect foraging times with the bees' famous 'waggle dances', which are crucial for their communication about food sources. Understanding these behaviors will contribute to a broader comprehension of how bees interact with their environment and respond to various conditions. The findings from this research could significantly influence how beekeepers manage their colonies and the overall sustainability of bee populations. As the research progresses, it may help establish more practical standards for organic beekeeping and offer solutions to the issues currently faced by the beekeeping industry that are exacerbated by environmental changes.