Using computer science to save the bees

Carnegie Mellon University, UC-Riverside researchers use sensors, forecasting models to track honeybee health

Carnegie Mellon University

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A low-cost heat sensor on a beehive frame.

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Credit: University of California, Riverside

Honeybees pollinate a third of what people eat and drink, from coffee to almonds, but colonies are on the decline because of extreme weather, pesticides and parasites.

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science (SCS) and the University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) have created a system to help beekeepers monitor and analyze the health of their beehives and take corrective actions to prevent colony collapse — when a majority of the worker bees abandon the colony and its queen.

Beehives use thermoregulation to ensure the hive temperature stays between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius, about 91 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, bees might cluster to create insulation when it's cold or fan their wings when it's hot. But when beehives experience external stressors, such as pesticides or unexpected weather events, they lose the ability to regulate the hive temperature. That's when beekeepers need to intervene to save the hive. Currently, beekeepers manage hive health using their judgment and experience to address problems, which can lead to oversights.

The Electronic Bee-Veterinarian (EBV) uses low-cost heat sensors and predictive forecasting to assist beekeepers in managing hive temperature and overall honeybee health. Researchers used two sensors, one placed on the outside of the hive and one inside, to detect real-time temperatures in the bee colonies. This data was then fed into a model that calculates the hive health factor.

Christos Faloutsos, the Fredkin University Professor of Computer Science in SCS's Computer Science Department, said researchers looked to heat-transfer physics for the equation when developing the EBV's beehive health forecasting model.

"We derived equations based on the first principles of thermal diffusion, heat transfer and control theory," he said. "We put these equations together and then compressed all the historical data into one number, the hive health factor. If the health factor is close to one, the bees are healthy and thermoregulating. If it is much lower than one, it means the beehive isn't healthy and might need an intervention. Once we have this health factor computed every day, we can do standard forecasting and the beekeeper can take further action."

Understandability was a key aspect of this project, Faloutsos said. Researchers wanted everything to be condensed into one number, the hive health factor, so any beekeeper who adopted the technology could easily interpret the forecasting result.

Jeremy Lee, an SCS doctoral student who worked on the project, said the team's multidisciplinary expertise contributed to EBV's success. Along with CMU, the team from UC Riverside included Shamima Hossain, a Ph.D. student in computer science; Boris Baer, a professor of entomology; Hyoseung Kim, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering; and Vassilis Tsotras, a professor of computer science and engineering. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture funded this research, among other awards, and the team presented its work at the 2024 SIAM International Conference on Data Mining.

"This is something I'm very interested in — using our expertise from computer science and working with other domain experts to make an impact in another area," Lee said.

Lee noted that this isn't the first time he's done research where his expertise in computer science created a real-world impact. Along with Faloutsos and other CMU and McGill University colleagues, Lee worked with criminology experts to detect human trafficking.

The project's next phase involves automating hive climate control. Faloutsos and the UC Riverside team have received USDA funding to research how the EBV's data can be used to automatically heat and cool hives without beekeeper intervention. Such technology could maximize honey production for beekeepers and help them prevent potential future challenges, such as stress from bee diseases.

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Journal

ACM Transactions on Knowledge Discovery from Data

DOI

10.1145/3719014 

Article Title

Principled Mining, Forecasting and Monitoring of Honeybee Time Series with EBV+

Researchers see breakthrough with biofuel

UC, national lab examine how alcohol damages microbes that produce it

University of Cincinnati

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One limitation of producing biofuel is that the alcohol created by fermentation is toxic to the microbes that produce it.

Now scientists are closer to overcoming this obstacle.

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory achieved a breakthrough in understanding the vulnerability of microbes to the alcohols they produce during fermentation of plant biomass.

With the national lab’s neutron scattering and simulation equipment, the team analyzed fermentation of the biofuel butanol, an energy-packed alcohol that also can be used as a solvent or chemical feedstock.

Butanol is toxic to the very microorganisms that produce it. This toxicity limits the amount of butanol that can be generated during fermentation, presenting a challenge to bio-based production, said Jonathan Nickels, an associate professor of chemical and environmental engineering in UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science.

“The primary location of toxicity is in the membrane,” Nickels said. “Ultimately, the solvent thins it out and makes it softer and less stable. Ultimately, you get holes in the membrane. When this happens, the cell loses the ability to generate energy.”

They shared their results in the journal Langmuir.

Lead author Luoxi Tan, a doctoral graduate of UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science, is now a postdoctoral researcher at the national laboratory. He said researchers next will look to see if they can make biofuel more efficiently by stabilizing the membranes of the cells in the biomass.

Researchers investigated the processes occurring during fermentation using neutron scattering experiments that allow for non-destructive testing of the membrane, letting scientists see the structures and arrangements of molecules.

“Neutrons give you the ability to probe the interior of the membrane to help determine how the butanol is distributed,” said Hugh O’Neill, director of the Center for Structural Molecular Biology at Oak Ridge.

Researchers used supercomputers to perform molecular dynamics simulations to examine how atoms and molecules move and interact over time.

Nickels said these tools allowed researchers to see what’s happening to the structure of a cell’s membrane at the molecular level.

“The findings have very relevant and meaningful long-term implications,” Nickels said. “We want to make biofuels more efficient, which would have significant economic outcomes.”

The project was funded by the national lab’s Center for Structural Molecular Biology.

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Journal

Langmuir

DOI

10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c03677 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Toxic Effects of Butanol in the Plane of the Cell Membrane

 

How one researcher equipped with a smartphone is creating detailed reports on the insides of stranded sea creatures

Q&A with Brendan Cottrell, who investigated the use of smartphones to create 3D scans of stranded marine life that can help scientists protect marine species

Frontiers

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First author Brendan Cottrell in the field. Credit: DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada).

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Credit: DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)

What inspired you to become a researcher?

My interest in research began with an early love for nature, particularly the ocean and its wildlife. Drawn to conservation, I am fascinated by how technology can help study and protect marine mammals.

Can you tell us about the research you’re currently working on?

This research focuses on using accessible 3D scanning technologies, like LiDAR-equipped mobile devices and UAV photogrammetry, to document and analyze stranded marine mammals. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to determine the distance between the instrument and a target surface or object. Distance is determined through a measure of the time it takes for the pulses to travel to the surface and be reflected to the sensor. The resulting output, typically a 3D point cloud, provides a detailed representation of surfaces and objects. In contrast, photogrammetry is a technique used to create 3D models from 2D photographs by capturing a series of overlapping photographs from different angles and processing with specialized software. By integrating these tools into necropsy procedures, I aim to improve morphometric data collection, enhance postmortem documentation, and create interactive visualizations for research, education, and conservation. This work is particularly valuable for remote large whale strandings, where traditional methods may be limited.

You used an iPhone12 for your work. Could –in theory– anyone equipped with a phone with a LiDAR sensor and the app make a 3D scan? What, if any, training is necessary?

Yes, in theory, anyone with a LiDAR-equipped phone (like an iPhone 12 Pro or later) and the right app, such as Scaniverse, could create a 3D scan of a stranded marine mammal. The process is designed to be user-friendly, but some basic training is beneficial to ensure high-quality and accurate scans. Key aspects of training would include understanding optimal scanning angles and distances, ensuring full coverage of the specimen, managing environmental challenges (eg, glare from wet surfaces or low-light conditions), and using the app’s measurement tools correctly. While the technology is highly accessible, proper technique helps maximize accuracy and usability for research and conservation purposes, which is hopefully highlighted in the paper.

What information can 3D reconstructions provide that might not be obtainable using traditional measurements in the field?

3D reconstructions offer a level of detail and versatility that traditional field measurements cannot always achieve. They provide a complete digital record of a specimen, allowing for precise morphometric assessments, post-examination measurements, and reanalysis without needing the physical carcass. Unlike traditional measurements, which can be limited by access, time constraints, or environmental conditions, 3D models capture full-body shape, external lesions, and anatomical structures in context, enabling comparisons across specimens and species. Additionally, these reconstructions can be used for visualization in education, response training, and conservation planning which expands their impact beyond the field.

In your opinion, why is your research important?

This research is important because it provides an accessible, low-cost method for documenting and analyzing stranded marine mammals, particularly in remote or resource-limited regions. By using widely available LiDAR-equipped mobile devices and free or inexpensive scanning apps, community responders and researchers can collect high-quality 3D data without the need for specialized or expensive equipment. This approach not only enhances morphometric accuracy and necropsy documentation but also democratizes data collection, allowing more regions to contribute to marine mammal conservation and health assessments without the barriers of cost or technical expertise.

Are there any common misconceptions about this area of research? How would you address them?

A common misconception is that 3D scanning is too complex for non-experts to use effectively. In reality, modern LiDAR-equipped smartphones and user-friendly apps make the process straightforward, requiring only basic training to capture highly accurate models.

What are some of the areas of research you’d like to see tackled in the years ahead?

I’d love to see more research integrating 3D scanning with other imaging modalities like MRI and CT to create a complete inside-out view of stranded marine mammals. Combining external 3D reconstructions with internal anatomical data could provide unique insights into pathology, trauma, and overall health. This approach would not only enhance necropsy documentation but also open new opportunities for virtual dissections, comparative studies, and education, allowing researchers and responders to better understand and preserve these incredible animals.

How has open science benefited the reach and impact of your research?

Open science has expanded the reach of this research by making the lessons learned available to a global audience. Sharing these tools also improves data collection and standardization, allowing responders and researchers worldwide to contribute to marine mammal conservation. By fostering collaboration and transparency, open science ensures that valuable stranding data is better collected, shared, and used to advance scientific and conservation efforts everywhere!

(a) Point cloud representation of inflatable test whale collected from LiDAR, and (b) the resultant 3D mesh model. Credit: Cottrell et al., 2025.

3D model (generated from Scaniverse) of the inflatable pilot whale used for live stranding training. (a) Reference assessment against known length (5.0 meters), and straight-line measurement of the whale at 4.40 meters. (b) Side profile of whale for reference and display shape of inflatable. (c) Simulated measurement of anterior flipper length. (d) Simulated measurement 1004 of dorsal fin height. (e) Simulated measurement of (half) tail fluke width. Credit: Cottrell et al., 2025.

3D reconstruction of grey whale stranded near Jarvis Inlet after being trapped in a tidal lagoon for four months. (a) Straightline length calculated in Scaniverse. (b) Tail fluke measurement (underestimated if straightline length used). (c) Anterior flipper measurement, underestimating by 10% due to water cutoff. (d) From mid dorsal looking towards head. (e) Front dorsal towards tail obvious ‘peanut head’ as a result of extreme emaciation before death captured in the 3D reconstruction. (f) Animal post necropsy. Credit: Cottrell et al., 2025.

3D reconstruction of killer whale stranded near Zeballos. (a) Straightline length calculated in Scaniverse. (b) Tail fluke measurement (underestimated if straightline length used). (c) Dorsal fin measurement (d) Anterior flipper measurement (e) Unborn fetus removed from the whale. Credit: Cottrell et al., 2025

Journal

Frontiers in Marine Science

DOI

10.3389/fmars.2025.1485788 

Method of Research

Imaging analysis

Subject of Research

Animals

Article Title

3D Reconstructions of Stranded Marine Mammals Via Easily Accessible Remote Sensing Tools for Use in Morphometrics and Visualizations

Article Publication Date

5-Mar-2025

COI Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision.

 AMERIKAN EXCEPTIONALISM FOR PROFIT HEALTHCARE

Americans borrowed $74 billion last year to cover healthcare costs

West Health-Gallup survey finds millions worried about medical debt

West Health Institute

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About 6 in 10 adults who borrowed money for healthcare borrowed $500 or more.

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Credit: West Health-Gallup, November 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 5, 2025 – More than 31 million Americans (12%) report needing to borrow about $74 billion last year to pay for healthcare despite most having some form of health insurance, according to a new survey from West Health and Gallup. Nearly one-third (28%) report being “very concerned” that a major health event could throw them into debt.

The survey found almost 20% of Americans aged 49 and under needed to borrow money to cover medical costs compared with just 9% of those 50 to 64. Women between the ages of 50 and 64 were twice as likely as men in the same age group to say they had to borrow (12% vs. 6%). Two percent of Medicare-eligible adults (those over the age of 65) reported having to borrow.

“Too many Americans are racking up medical debt whether they have health insurance or not,” said Tim Lash, President, West Health Policy Center, part of West Health, a family of nonprofit organizations focused on healthcare and aging. “A high-priced healthcare system that requires Americans to take out loans or make painful tradeoffs just to stay healthy is in desperate need of policy reform or things will get even worse.”

Black (23%) and Hispanic adults (16%) were significantly more likely to report having borrowed money than White (9%) adults. The biggest disparities were found among adults under the age of 50. Black adults aged 18-49 (29%) were the biggest borrowers followed by Hispanic adults (19%) and White adults (14%) in the same age range. Americans with children under the age of 18 were twice as likely to report borrowing compared to households with no children (19% vs. 8%).

Breakdown of Borrowing

Americans collectively borrowed about $74 billion to pay for healthcare last year, with more than half (58%) borrowing $500 or more and 41% borrowing $1,000 or more. Fourteen percent borrowed $5,000 or more.

Concerns Over Medical Debt Across Age, Race and Income

Most Americans (58%) report being at least somewhat concerned that a major health event could land them in debt, including 28% who say they are “very concerned.” Concerns span income levels, with more than six in 10 households with annual incomes under $120,000 worried. Fewer higher earners were concerned, but 40% of households making over $180,000 report they too have concerns.

Even with Medicare eligibility, more than half (52%) of people aged 65 or older say they are at least somewhat concerned they could go into medical debt if they suffered a major health event. Concerns also run high among Black adults (62%), Hispanic adults (63%) and women (62%). Only 14% of respondents say they are not concerned at all.

“It is clear that high healthcare costs continue to burden the American people, and financial insecurity around care is not limited to any one demographic,” said Dan Witters, director of wellbeing research at Gallup. “These findings underscore the need for solutions that make healthcare more affordable for all Americans.”

Methodology

The West Health-Gallup Survey was conducted via web Nov. 11-18, 2024, with a nationally representative sample of 3,583 U.S. adults aged 18 and older. The margin of sampling error is ±2.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

About West Health

Solely funded by philanthropists Gary and Mary West, West Health is a family of nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations that include the Gary and Mary West Foundation and Gary and Mary West Health Institute in San Diego and the Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center in Washington, D.C. West Health is dedicated to lowering healthcare costs to enable seniors to successfully age in place with access to high-quality and affordable health and support services that preserve and protect their dignity, quality of life and independence. Learn more at westhealth.org.
 

About Gallup

Gallup delivers analytics and advice to help leaders and organizations solve their most pressing problems. Combining more than 80 years of experience with its global reach, Gallup knows more about the attitudes and behaviors of employees, customers, students and citizens than any other organization in the world.

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Iconic Australian bird reveals hidden farming talent

La Trobe University

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Lyrebird reveals hidden farming talent

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Credit: La Trobe University

A beloved Australian bird best known for its stunning tail and powers of mimicry may have a cunning hidden talent. 

New research has revealed the superb lyrebird to be a resourceful farmer, creating micro-habitats to host and fatten its prey before returning later to feast. 

Scientists from La Trobe University observed the ground-dwelling birds working to create habitats suitable for their diet of worms, centipedes and spiders. 

In a new paper published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, the researchers found that lyrebirds arranged litter and soil on the forest floor in ways that promote more prey. 

They fenced lyrebirds out from small areas throughout the forest to create lyrebird-free environments. In some of these areas the researchers raked the leaf litter and soil to simulated lyrebird foraging. Where raking had been undertaken, there were more types and larger invertebrates than the areas without simulated lyrebird foraging.  

Lead researcher Alex Maisey said this type of animal farming was rarely seen in nature. 

"Lyrebirds set up the perfect home for their prey, creating conditions with more food resources and effectively fattening them up before eating them," Dr Maisey said. 

The superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) is mainly found in the moist eucalypt forests in south-eastern Australia.  

Dr Maisey said lyrebirds, through foraging, heavily influenced the plants and animals that lived in Australia's south-eastern forests. 

In this project, lyrebirds were measured moving an average of 155 tonnes of litter and soil per hectare while farming invertebrates. 

They also lower the intensity of bushfires by burying leaves and branches that fuel fires, thereby shaping whole ecosystems, Dr Maisey said. 

"Lyrebirds are widespread and active across millions of hectares of forest. Their farming actions play an important role in maintaining forest biodiversity." 

DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.70009 

  

 

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Journal

Journal of Animal Ecology

DOI

10.1111/1365-2656.70009 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Animals

Article Title

Foraging activity by an ecosystem engineer, the superb lyrebird, ‘farms’ its invertebrate prey

Article Publication Date

5-Mar-2025