Bees in freefall as study shows sharp US decline

The abundance of four common species of bumblebee in the US has dropped by 96% in just the past few decades, according to the most comprehensive national census of the insects. Scientists said the alarming decline, which could have devastating implications for the pollination of both wild and farmed plants, was likely to be a result of disease and low genetic diversity in bee populations.
Bumblebees are important pollinators of wild plants and agricultural crops around the world including tomatoes and berries thanks to their large body size, long tongues, and high-frequency buzzing, which helps release pollen from flowers.
Bees in general pollinate some 90% of the world's commercial plants, including most fruits, vegetables and nuts. Coffee, soya beans and cotton are all dependent on pollination by bees to increase yields. It is the start of a food chain that also sustains wild birds and animals.

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Modern living is hitting men right where it hurts the most, with sperm counts falling more quickly than anyone thought, U.S. researchers said Monday.

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Kelzie said:

Someone brought this up in that thread about what the most danger to the world is. Humans are getting hit too. I know six couples off the top of my head that couldn't conceive and I'm not that social of a person.



Sperm Count Decline Confirmed

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The Giant Noodle said:

It would be a social victory if we could choose who could and could not. Seriously though thats scary!

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Infertility is rising at a rapid rate -- nearly 30 million couples in the country suffer from infertility, making the incidence rate of infertile couples to be 10 percent.

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The Giant Noodle said:

Fish..... birds...... bees....... :scared:
CONTINUED: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/03/bumblebees-study-us-decline

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Kelzie said:

Someone brought this up in that thread about what the most danger to the world is. Humans are getting hit too. I know six couples off the top of my head that couldn't conceive and I'm not that social of a person.

Sperm Count Decline Confirmed

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Taylor said:

Okay... birds, bees and sperm all seem to go together but what is this about fish???

Yeah I know, bad pun :doh:roll:

I suppose the real question is... do any of these observations share anything other than some sort of superficial commonality? The bee decline has been going on for years and sperm counts for decades. I'm not sure what the fish and bird deaths have in common other than real estate on the Drudge Report.

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