Australian researchers are attaching sensor-stuffed ‘backpacks’ onto honey bees

The decline in the bee population began in the late 1990s when beekeepers worldwide noticed a sudden and precipitous decrease in the number of bees and honey bee colonies. Research suggests pesticides, pathogens and climate change may contribute to this decline, but no single cause has been identified. This latest study will use small RFID micro-sensors that are attached to individual bees using tweezers and super glue. Each sensor is like a license plate, containing a unique code to identify individual bees in a larger population. The sensors do not interfere with the bee and will remain affixed for the duration of the bee’s life.