Do Angry Bees Produce More Potent Poison? Researchers Reveal Unknown Details

According to recently conducted research, 'angry' honey bees produce better poison than calm bees. Here's more about the findings that reveal other factors' impact.

New Delhi: The experience of bee stings is certainly not a pleasant one to have and recently conducted research has revealed that angry bees produce better poison than calm bees. Researchers at Curtin University studied bees in several places in Australia and discovered the protein of 99 bees. Interestingly, bees, in anger, were found to be producing more protein-rich bee poison.

Angry bees produce good-quality poison

The more proteins are found in poison, the higher the potential quality and effect. To understand the protein variation of bee poison, investigators looked at several factors, including the behavior pattern of bees. The team worked on a sample of 25 hives spread over a radius of 200 kilometers.

Poisons were analysed using mass spectrometers, which facilitated researchers to accurately measure the level of each protein. They then looked at how these levels of protein differ with environmental and behavioral factors. The team says that these poisons can help in the fight against Parkinson's and osteoarthritis.

Parkinson's, helpful in the fight against osteoarthritis

The team explained that as far as behavioral factors are concerned, the level of diversity of proteins observed in poison was linked to polite and active bees. Bees that were considered more active during the trial reacted sharply to the researchers' electrical stimulating device, i.e., angry bees produced more rich, more protein-rich bee poisons. Researchers said that beyond the genetic factor, temperature also has an effect on the protein production of bee poison. High temperatures are especially harmful to bee activity inside and outside the hive.

On examination of the hives, the team found that the lowest amount of poison production was seen from places with high temperatures. One researcher said, "This met our expectations that seasonal factors cause changes in the protein profile of bee poison".

The geographical area also affected the production of bee poison. The healing properties of bees poison have been known for some time. Some people have used it for chronic wounds because of its enzymes and peptides that can treat inflammation and diseases associated with the central nervous system such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and others. Experts say that further research is needed to understand whether beekeepers can meet the demand of bee poison, which is used for various purposes, including face cream and therapy.