Honeybee hives act as living immune systems, study finds

New University of Sydney-led research shows honeybee hives function as colony-level immune systems, with antimicrobial chemistry organized across the nest to protect eggs, larvae and stored pollen. Sampling 24 colonies in New South Wales, scientists found defenses strongest against bacteria, including American foulbrood, and weaker against fungi. Apiary location explained about a third of the variation, suggesting habitat loss may weaken bees' natural defenses.