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Shepherd S et al, (May 2018) Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields impair the Cognitive and Motor Abilities of Honey Bees, Sci Rep

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Authors not listed · 2018

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Power line electromagnetic fields impair honey bee learning and flight at exposure levels humans regularly encounter.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed honey bees to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields from power lines at various intensities, from ground-level exposure (20-100 µT) to close-proximity levels (1000-7000 µT). The bees showed impaired learning abilities, altered flight patterns, reduced foraging success, and feeding difficulties. This suggests power line EMFs may significantly stress honey bee populations and potentially impact their crucial pollination activities.

Why This Matters

This study reveals a troubling reality about our electrical infrastructure's impact on critical pollinators. The science demonstrates that honey bees experience cognitive and motor impairment from the same 50 Hz electromagnetic fields generated by power lines that millions of people live near daily. What makes this particularly significant is the exposure levels tested - the lower range (20-100 µT) represents what you'd encounter at ground level beneath power lines, while the higher range mimics closer proximity exposure. The reality is that if these fields can disrupt the sophisticated navigation and learning systems of honey bees, we should be asking harder questions about potential effects on human neurological function. Given that honey bees are essential for pollinating one-third of our food supply, this research suggests our electromagnetic infrastructure may be creating an environmental crisis that extends far beyond individual health concerns.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 50 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 50 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2018). Shepherd S et al, (May 2018) Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields impair the Cognitive and Motor Abilities of Honey Bees, Sci Rep.
Show BibTeX
@article{shepherd_s_et_al_may_2018_extremely_low_frequency_electromagnetic_fields_impair_the_cognitive_and_motor_abilities_of_honey_bees_sci_rep_ce2029,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Shepherd S et al, (May 2018) Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields impair the Cognitive and Motor Abilities of Honey Bees, Sci Rep},
  year = {2018},
  doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-26185-y},
  
}
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26185-yPubMed: 29785039

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, this study found that 50 Hz electromagnetic fields from power lines significantly reduced honey bees' learning abilities. The impairment occurred at field strengths ranging from 20 µT (ground level under power lines) to 7000 µT (within one meter of conductors).
The research showed that exposure to power line EMFs reduced the success of honey bee foraging flights toward food sources. This suggests the electromagnetic fields interfere with bees' ability to navigate effectively and locate resources during their crucial pollination activities.
Honey bees showed impaired cognitive and motor abilities at EMF levels starting from 20-100 µT, which is what you'd find at ground level beneath power line conductors. Effects were also observed at higher levels up to 7000 µT near the conductors themselves.
The study found that 50 Hz electromagnetic field exposure altered honey bee flight dynamics, disrupting their normal flight patterns. This flight impairment could interfere with their ability to navigate between flowers and return to their hives successfully.
Yes, researchers observed that exposure to 50 Hz EMFs from power lines negatively affected honey bee feeding behavior. Combined with the learning and flight impairments, this suggests a comprehensive disruption of essential bee survival activities.