Article 2: "Losing Their Buzz"

New York Times article “Losing Their Buzz”
Author: May Berenbaum
March 2, 2007

Main Purpose: Honeybees are mysteriously disappearing leaving no clues or bodies behind. What is behind their untimely deaths is uncertain, but the impact of their disappearance is clear. No bees means food production will stall, businesses will fail, and people will be left to fend for themselves.

Description: Bees have huge jobs, but most people never recognized it. Now that they are fighting a losing battle we as consumers and scientists are left uncertain of what may come. Of course researchers are doing their best, focusing on their genes and currently known aliments. We took advantage of them, our small buzzing creatures, now things might never be the same. The only real hope is some sort of scientific breakthrough or that the bees with fight this one out.

This article had about 3 sections:

Why are bees important- It states for example that bees pollinate 90% of crops.

What is happening to them- It suggests CCD (colony collapse disorder), genetic disorder, stress, and a few others.

How to slow down the death rate- She suggests constant monitoring and tracking of honey bees.

Possible Audience: Since May Berenbaum is a respected entomologist this article could be targeted towards beekeepers, general interested public, or fellow entomologists. (Or anyone else interested in biology)

Credentials: May R. Berenbaum is the head of the department of entomology at the University of Illinois, The National Research Council, Department of Agriculture

Berenbaum, May. "Losing Their Buzz." The New York Times. 2 March 2007. The New York Times Company. 2 Nov 2007