This Laurentian University researcher is collecting DNA from the air inside beehives
A professor at Laurentian University in Sudbury is embarking on an innovative project to study the impact of climate change on plants and pollinators in Ontario using honey bees. Mateus Pepinelli, an assistant professor at Laurentian’s School of Natural Science, is utilizing small devices that can collect environmental DNA from the air to gather valuable data.
Pepinelli explains that organisms, including humans, shed DNA on a daily basis. By collecting environmental DNA, researchers can gain insights into the biodiversity of an area. To collect this data, Pepinelli has been working with beekeepers in southern Ontario to install devices in beehives. These devices, equipped with computer fans, 3D-printed parts, and a power bank, capture environmental DNA from inside the hives where bees bring in pollen and nectar, containing a wealth of genetic material.
Initial results from the project have revealed that bees in a small area interacted with around 100 different plant species, as well as various microbes that make up the microbiome of honey bees. With the support of Laurentian’s Kathryne Kril-Atkins and Michael R. Atkins Innovation Fellowship, Pepinelli plans to enhance the devices and expand the network of beekeepers involved in the study. By collaborating with beekeepers in northeastern Ontario, he aims to collect and analyze environmental DNA from hundreds of beehives, providing a comprehensive view of plant flowering patterns over time.
By studying how climate change and other environmental factors influence plants and pollinators, Pepinelli hopes to gain a better understanding of ecosystem dynamics. The data collected through this project will contribute to ongoing research on biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation strategies. This innovative approach to studying the natural world demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
