Engineered Microbe in Bees’ Guts Fends off Deadly Varroa Mite

The genetically modified bacteria spark an RNAi response in the parasite that leads to self-destruction—and perhaps a path to combatting colony collapse disorder.

Written byLisa Winter

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Genetically altering symbiotic gut bacteria in honey bees is successful at killing varroa mites, which tend to make bees sick and leave them at an increased risk of colony collapse disorder, according to a study published today (January 31) in Science.

Colony collapse disorder (CCD) occurs when the majority of a hive abandons ship, leaving behind the queen, honey and pollen stores, and young, immature bees behind. Without the workforce of a full hive, the colony fails. According to the US Department of Agriculture, there does not appear to be a single cause of CCD, rather, it is likely a combination of disease, parasites, poor nutrition, pesticide exposure, and other stressors on the hive.

One possible contributor to unhealthy hives are Varroa destructor mites, an invasive species that arrived in North America in the early 1980s. Not only do these parasites feed on the bees’ fat ...

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Meet the Author

Lisa Winter
Lisa joined The Scientist in 2017. As social media editor, some of her duties include creating content, managing interactions, and developing strategies for the brand’s social media presence. She also contributes to the News & Opinion section of the website. Lisa holds a degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in genetics, cell, and developmental biology from Arizona State University and has worked in science communication since 2012.
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