Scientists modify honey bee gut bacterium to fight colony collapse-causing Varroa mite and deformed-wing virus.

Colony Collapse Disorder caused the loss of an estimated 40 per cent of honey bee colonies in the US last year — the worst winter decline on record for tracked hives since research began.

Now researchers have genetically engineered a bacterium that lives

Beekeepers are preparing for a tough year following major losses of floral resources across the country due to drought and bushfires. Apiarists are having to artificially feed their bees with sugar and pollen to keep the population alive, with this year's focus on survival and pollination rather than honey production.