Welcome to vnonline.co.uk

vnonline.co.uk provides the veterinary nursing profession with the latest news and industry developments, as well as events, resources, learning materials and careers.

Our website is dedicated to veterinary nurses and we strive to provide a platform where you can voice and explore your interests.

Not a member yet? Sign up for free!

Register for free with vnonline.co.uk to gain unlimited access to news, resources, jobs and much more!



Click here to become a member






Log in to vnonline

Forgot your password?

Posted: 31st May 2016

Tiny ‘dancing’ hairs alert bees to floral electric fields
bee
Tiny hairs on the bee's body 'dance’ in response to the electric field, alerting the nervous system.
Electroreception could be present in many other insects

Researchers at the University of Bristol have revealed how bees are able to sense and interpret signals that are transmitted by flowers.

A study published in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences shows that tiny hairs 'dance’ in response to the flower's electric field, which in turn alerts the bee’s nervous system.

The researchers say that this ‘electroreception’ could arise from the bee’s hairs being lightweight and stiff, and believe that it could be present in many other insects.

“We were excited to learn that bees’ tiny hairs dance in response to electric fields, like when humans hold a balloon to their hair,” commented study leader Dr Sutton.

“A lot of insects have similar body hairs, which leads to the possibility that many members of the insect world may be equally sensitive to small electric fields.”

Electroreception has been observed almost exclusively in sea mammals since salt-water is a better conductor than air. Sharks, for example, are equipped with sensitive jelly-filled receptors that detect fluctuations in electric fields in seawater which helps them to locate prey.

Scientists are especially keen to learn how signals transmitted by flowers are perceived, received and acted upon by bees as they are critical to crop pollination.



Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history



Latest news | Careers | Events | Resources | Contact us | Terms and conditions | Data Protection and Privacy |Cookie policy | About us | Copyright
© 2024 Vision Media, all rights reserved. vnonline.co.uk is not responsible for the content of external websites.