OT: Colony Collapse Disorder - Bees

Just watched a pbs special regarding Colony Collapse Disorder affecting Bees.

It is disturbing to say the least, and makes me wonder about connections to UC, at any rate it's worth a read, here are some links below:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/bees/?campaign=pbshomefeatures_1_naturebrsilenceofthebees_2007-10-28

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_Collapse_Disorder

I don't think there is a connection to UC, but it raises some unsettling questions.

Because from what I understand, UC is on the rise. I think it's strange that bees have started dying off all over the world and that whatever the condition is has some connection to weakened immune systems. The special also mentioned scarring in the bees intestines along with mentioning things like memory problems.

From pesticides, virus, fungus, etc, genetically modified foods, I can't help but wonder. But of course, like all of my speculation, it's an Off Topic issue. But something to be aware of nonetheless.

doors12 said...
I don't think there is a connection to UC, but it raises some unsettling questions.

Because from what I understand, UC is on the rise. I think it's strange that bees have started dying off all over the world and that whatever the condition is has some connection to weakened immune systems. The special also mentioned scarring in the bees intestines along with mentioning things like memory problems.

From pesticides, virus, fungus, etc, genetically modified foods, I can't help but wonder. But of course, like all of my speculation, it's an Off Topic issue. But something to be aware of nonetheless.

The main pesticide they use now is called neonicitinoids. Basically it shuts down their immune system and they get symptoms like autoimmune disease and die. And we put this on our food and eat it. I think I read that Bayer corp is the major manufacturer of this pesticide. Amazing that we have chemical companies that control our food and our medicines. Checkmate.

Actually I believe I read an article (or saw it on CNN) on this just last week...and I read that researchers have found what appears to be root cause - a virus.  Not that they know how to battle the virus - but at least it is a start.  I guess the bees need our prayers as well!

Love

bob

Horus said...
The main pesticide they use now is called neonicitinoids. Basically it shuts down their immune system and they get symptoms like autoimmune disease and die.

Horus;

I remember hearing that on the special - that also concerned me as I personally smoke.  (I believe that is a Nicotine based pesticide correct me if I'm wrong)  I felt that there was a real practical reason for me smoking.  What I mean by that is, as my disease worsened (then undiagnosed despite full physical and trip to a GI) , I felt the need suddenly to chain smoke all the time. 

Plus the whole 'word on the street' thing that smoking helps UC but not Crohn's I guess.  Please note; I am not condoning smoking as a medical treatment.  It always makes me curious how in the literature you always come across that UC is "a disease of non-smokers."  I certainly was smoking my behind off before DX.  Seems almost *too* convenient to come across that in the scant, typically un-unified literature on UC, but I digress into yet another RJ Reynolds, Phillip Morris, conspiracy theory.  Forgive me, my intentions are good. 

I'm sure I will die without my bee propolis, maybe I'll have to look into raising my own.

:)