Noah Wilson-Rich: Why bees hold the key to our future

Why bees hold the key to our future

Bees are dying off in record numbers, but ecologist Noah Wilson-Rich is interested in something else: Where are bees healthy and thriving? To find out, he recruited citizen scientists across the US to set up beehives in their backyards, gardens and rooftops. Learn how these little data factories are changing what we know about the habitats bees need to thrive -- and keep our future food systems stable.

Bee populations are plummeting, with nearly half of US beehives lost in just one year. Yet, surprising data shows that hives in cities produce more honey and support greater biodiversity than those in rural or suburban areas. By sampling honey DNA, scientists discovered urban environments provide richer, more diverse habitats for pollinators. This research offers a blueprint for restoring resilient food systems and habitats, even in the face of disasters.