English Lessons

Tracking Bees with Tiny QR Codes

Researchers at Penn State University developed a new system for tracking bees by attaching tiny QR codes called AprilTags to their backs. This allowed for constant observation of the bees as they entered and exited a customized hive entrance, using cameras that recorded their movements around the clock. The study revealed that while most bees go on short trips, a few can spend up to two hours foraging for food or exploring. The data also challenged the common belief that bees only live for 28 days. Many were observed foraging for as long as six weeks after maturing. This suggests that bees in a colony may have longer and more varied life cycles than previously thought. Led by a team including an entomologist and electrical engineers, the study showed how technology can support large-scale bee research more efficiently than older methods

Using this system, which relies on affordable tools and open-access technology, researchers hope that their method can be replicated in different regions and landscapes. One of the main goals is to understand how far bees will fly to find food and whether they stay close when there is enough high-quality food nearby. This could help beekeepers reduce bees’ exposure to pesticide-treated crops. Current U.S. organic beekeeping standards require hives to be placed in areas that are pesticide-free within a 5-kilometer radius. With better knowledge of bee behavior, beekeepers can protect their colonies more effectively. The project aims to support stronger environmental and organic farming practices using scientific evidence and modern tools.

I. Matching Type: Match the words on the left with their correct definitions on the right.

II. Fill in the Blanks. Use the words from the vocabulary matching list

foraging, customized, colony, entomologist, observation, pesticide, radius, affordable, replicate, standards

1. Scientists designed a ________ entrance to track bee movements.
   
   
   

2. Bees were seen ________ for food for as long as two hours.
   
   
   

3. The research allowed for 24-hour ________ of bee activity.
   
   
   

4. The study included an ________ who helped explain bee behavior.
   
   
   

5. A bee ________ can have thousands of members working together.
   
   
   

6. To follow organic ________, beekeepers must avoid harmful chemicals.
   
   
   

7. The team used ________ equipment to make the study low-cost.
   
   
   

8. They hope others will ________ the research in new places.
   
   
   

9. A 5-kilometer ________ must be free of pesticides in organic farms.
   
   
   

10. A ________ is often sprayed to protect crops, but may harm bees.

III. Open-Ended Questions. Discuss your answers with your teacher.

1. Why do you think bees sometimes spend more time foraging far from the hive?

2. How does using a customized system help researchers study insects like bees?

3. If you were an entomologist, what insect would you like to observe, and why?

4. What are some benefits of using affordable tools in science research?

5. Why do you think it's important to follow standards in organic farming?

Thank you!

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/28/science/bee-tracking-qr-codes-scli-intl/index.html