Emma Bryce: The case of the vanishing honeybees

The case of the vanishing honeybees

In the past decade, the US honeybee population has been decreasing at an alarming and unprecedented rate. While this is obviously bad news for honeypots everywhere, bees also help feed us in a bigger way -- by pollinating our nation's crops. Emma Bryce investigates potential causes for this widespread colony collapse disorder. [Directed by Lillian Chan, narrated by Derek Gebhart, music by John Poon].

The sudden and widespread decline of US honeybee populations reveals a crisis with consequences far beyond higher honey prices. In 2006, over half of all American hives were affected by colony collapse disorder, leaving hives eerily empty but full of untouched food and unhatched larvae. With bees responsible for pollinating more than one-third of America's crops, their disappearance jeopardizes food production and drives up costs. Multiple culprits, including parasites, pesticides, and genetic weaknesses, are likely behind this environmental mystery.