The spiky shape of sunflower pollen may clear bee guts of parasite

The spiny texture of sunflower pollen reduces infections of a common gut pathogen in bees by up to 94 per cent.

Wild plants and food crops rely heavily on bees for pollination. The loss of habitat and widespread pesticide use has pushed most bee species into decline and made them more susceptible to infections. But like humans, bees can tailor their diet to boost their gut and immune health.

Earlier studies have established that pollen from certain species of plants – especially …