Bees and Trees cares about the health of the honeybee population worldwide, very much. And luckily, so do a lot of other people.
We are proud to be supporting the researc
h work of Dr. Samuel (Sammy) Ramsey, a leading researcher in the field of honeybee health, with a focus on parasitic mites that pose the most significant threat to honeybees worldwide. In January 2019, the National Academy of Sciences published his work that upended 50 years of conventional thinking about the Varroa mite. (Pictured L: Dr. Ramsey, R: Mike Everly)
This groundbreaking work is opening up a whole new avenue of potential strategies to attack the Varroa mite and help our honeybee population regain strength and vitality.
In this short video, Dr. Ramsey summarizes in very easy to understand terms how this important research unfolded, and the conclusions reached. Dr. Ramsey Thesis Video, 3:10
Bees & Trees Founder, Mike Everly, recently caught up with Dr. Ramsey in Montreal for the Apiculture 2019 Worldwide Beekeeping and Honey Industry Conference where he presented Dr. Ramsey with our first donation to this critically important research.
Currently, Dr. Ramsey’s work is conducted under the Ramsey Research Foundation (RFF). The RRF conducts innovative research addressing critical issues affecting pollinator health, such as parasite spread, disease management, and habitat preservation. This research is vital in understanding and mitigating the challenges faced by pollinators globally. Notable projects include:
- Varroa Destructor Mite: RRF has made significant contributions in understanding the Varroa mite, a major threat to honey bees. Dr. Samuel Ramsey's discovery of the mite's unique feeding mechanism, termed “kleptocytosis,” has potential implications for controlling this invasive parasite.
- Tropilaelaps Mite: The foundation's research on the Tropilaelaps mite, another honey bee parasite, has led to the development of the first pesticide for this mite, addressing a growing global concern.
- Forest Fire Mitigation in Thailand: Working with the Karin Hill Tribe in Thailand, RRF is addressing the issue of forest fires that threaten honey bee species. The foundation's efforts in building reservoirs help in sustainable forest fire management.
- Bee Colony Relocation in the Philippines: In collaboration with the Palawano people, RRF is involved in relocating bee colonies threatened by shrinking natural habitats, providing necessary equipment to safely move these colonies.
Dr. Samuel Ramsey, a key figure in the foundation, is known for his groundbreaking work in entomology and his role as an inspirational science leader. His contributions to bee research and broader scientific communication have been recognized globally, including being a National Geographic explorer and recipient of the 2022 Wayfinder Award.
More information can be found here, and anyone can donate directly to support this work: https://www.ramseyresearchfoundation.org
If you're curious about the unique benefits of Mānuka Honey, you might find that buying honey is confusing if you are new to it, especially with different MGO levels to consider. Check out our guide to learn more about these differences and how to choose the right honey for your needs
Other Resources
- The Honeybee’s Most Fearsome Enemy
https://undark.org/2019/09/25/honeybee-fearsome-enemy-mite/ - Doctor Buggs -What's Killing the Bees? (The Threat You Never Hear About)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLqbO_EXNmE&t=288s - Dr. Ramsey, Tedx Talk, TEDxMontgomeryBlairHS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Fi9tmJ5t4
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