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Red light therapy, traditionally used by humans to promote skin health, reduce aging effects, and relieve muscle soreness, is now being applied to benefit bees, some of the planet’s most crucial pollinators. The treatment functions by stimulating mitochondria within cells, enhancing their efficiency and encouraging tissue repair. This cellular boost is not limited to humans, as recent research suggests bees also gain health advantages from exposure to red and near-infrared light.
A company called Beefutures, operating in France and Norway, has spearheaded this innovative approach. They report studies indicating that bee colonies treated with red light cope better with environmental challenges such as heat, extreme weather, and pesticide exposure. These colonies showed longer lifespans and improved pollination activity compared to untreated groups. Building on these insights, Beefutures has developed Onibi Light, an in-hive therapy device created in collaboration with University College London (UCL), marking the first of its kind globally.
The urgency for such technology comes amid alarming declines in bee populations. According to data cited by Ecowatch, nearly 60% of honeybee colonies in the United States were lost last winter, while French beekeepers have experienced losses as high as 50%. Christophe Brod, CEO of Beefutures, emphasized the importance of bees by stating, “When the bees stop buzzing, our food stops growing. That’s the real story. And this is what Onibi Light is all about.” Trials led by UCL demonstrated that bees exposed to stressors like pesticides or transport recovered their activity within days when aided by the device.
Further scientific insight was provided by Glen Jeffery, UCL’s professor of neuroscience, who explained, “Our research shows that treated bees experience enhanced cellular respiration, improved visual acuity and stronger immunity.” Brod highlighted the broader impact of the innovation, declaring, “Stronger bees mean stronger food systems. With Onibi Light, we are giving beekeepers and growers a practical tool to protect the very foundation of agriculture.”
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