In many places, the country air has become just that little bit quieter. The reason: our bees have stopped buzzing.
Over the past few years, honeybees have suddenly and inexplicably disappeared from colonies that once thrived across the northern parts of the American and European continents.
A mysterious malaise has struck down the fittest and most able bees, laying waste to billions and leaving empty hives starved of once industrious workers.
But we are no nearer understanding the exact cause of this carnage.
According to a recently published scientific review, there may be multiple causes, each interacting and creating a more complex problem than previously thought.
Full story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8680000/8680500.stm
Over the past few years, honeybees have suddenly and inexplicably disappeared from colonies that once thrived across the northern parts of the American and European continents.
A mysterious malaise has struck down the fittest and most able bees, laying waste to billions and leaving empty hives starved of once industrious workers.
But we are no nearer understanding the exact cause of this carnage.
According to a recently published scientific review, there may be multiple causes, each interacting and creating a more complex problem than previously thought.
Full story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8680000/8680500.stm