The Influence of an Electromagnetic Field at a Radiofrequency of 900 MHz on the Behavior of a Honey Bee

Abstract

Category: Environmental Science, Entomology Tags: electromagnetic fields, radiofrequency, honey bee, behavior, RF-EMF, 900 MHz, wireless technology DOI: 10.3390/agriculture15121266 URL: mdpi.com Overview With the rapid development of wireless technology, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) at multiple frequencies—including those commonly found in the honey bee's foraging environment—have sparked ongoing discussions about their impact on living organisms. Artificial radio fields now span a broad range from 100 kHz to 300 GHz. This study aimed to demonstrate the influence of a radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) at 900 MHz on honey bee behavior under laboratory conditions. Methodology - Laboratory-based experiment with newly emerged honey bee workers housed in wooden cages. - Division into control (no exposure) and experimental groups (exposed to RF-EMF at 900 MHz with varying intensities and durations). - Behavioral analysis performed using a computer program immediately after exposure and again seven days post-exposure. Findings - Exposure to a 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field did affect bee behavior compared to controls. - Not all observed differences reached statistical significance, but there were significant behavioral effects detected seven days after exposure in parameters such as walking, flight, and individual contact. Conclusion & Further Research There is clear evidence that RF-EMF at 900 MHz can alter honey bee behavior, which underscores the importance of considering EMF exposure as a potential environmental stressor with ecological relevance. Further research is recommended to include gene expression analyses related to bee behavior, as even sub-significant behavioral changes could impact ecosystem services such as pollination.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Compared with controls, exposure to a 900 MHz RF-EMF affected honey bee behavior under laboratory conditions. Some differences were not statistically significant, but significant behavioral effects were detected seven days after exposure for parameters including walking, flight, and individual contact.

Outcomes measured

• Honey bee behavior (walking, flight, individual contact)

Limitations

• Laboratory conditions (wooden cages) may limit generalizability to field/foraging environments
• Exposure intensities and exact durations not specified in the abstract
• Sample size not reported in the abstract
• Not all observed behavioral differences reached statistical significance

{
    "study_type": "other",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "wireless technology (laboratory RF-EMF exposure)",
        "frequency_mhz": 900,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "varying intensities and durations; behavior assessed immediately after exposure and 7 days post-exposure"
    },
    "population": "Newly emerged honey bee workers (laboratory-housed in wooden cages)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Honey bee behavior (walking, flight, individual contact)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Compared with controls, exposure to a 900 MHz RF-EMF affected honey bee behavior under laboratory conditions. Some differences were not statistically significant, but significant behavioral effects were detected seven days after exposure for parameters including walking, flight, and individual contact.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Laboratory conditions (wooden cages) may limit generalizability to field/foraging environments",
        "Exposure intensities and exact durations not specified in the abstract",
        "Sample size not reported in the abstract",
        "Not all observed behavioral differences reached statistical significance"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "electromagnetic fields",
        "radiofrequency",
        "RF-EMF",
        "900 MHz",
        "honey bee",
        "behavior",
        "wireless technology",
        "laboratory experiment"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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