The grant, awarded by the National Science Foundation, will fund research on the alarm pheromone, a chemical signal that triggers a defensive response in honeybees. This pheromone is released when a bee is attacked or threatened, and it alerts other bees to the danger. The research will focus on how the alarm pheromone is produced, released, and perceived by other bees, and how this information is used to coordinate a defensive response.

Defensive behaviors in honeybees are triggered by a variety of factors, including the presence of perceived threats, such as other bees, predators, or even humans. These behaviors can include bumping beekeeper veils, chasing, or stinging. To breed these behaviors out of the honeybees, scientists need to know what triggers them.

This aspect of the research is particularly intriguing because it suggests that bees might possess a form of “memory” that transcends the typical understanding of individual bee behavior. The project will explore the mechanisms of this “memory” and its role in honeybee behavior. This includes investigating the role of specific genes, proteins, and other molecules involved in the transmission of information.

“We can see how the brain is responding to the bee’s movements, and we can see how the bee’s movements are influencing the brain.”

This discovery has significant implications for understanding the complex relationship between the brain and the environment. It also opens up new avenues for research in fields like artificial intelligence and robotics. Giraldo’s research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying the perception of the world.

“The W.M. Keck Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of the University of California, Riverside, for decades. Their generous support has enabled us to make significant strides in research, education, and community engagement.”

This statement reflects the deep and longstanding relationship between the University of California, Riverside (UCR) and the W.M. Keck Foundation. The foundation has been a consistent and reliable source of funding for UCR, playing a crucial role in its growth and development. The foundation’s support has been instrumental in advancing UCR’s research capabilities, particularly in areas like environmental science, engineering, and medicine.