Purdue Researchers Unraveling Bee Behavior

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INDIANAPOLIS – Purdue University researchers are looking to Australian stingless bees for insights into efficiency and teamwork.

Nick Chawla, a materials engineering professor at Purdue, explains how the bees’ spiral-shaped honeycomb, supported by strategically placed pillars, offers key lessons in resource conservation and construction.

“The way they use resources and conserve energy is impressive,” Chawla said. “Their construction is a model of efficiency.”

Using advanced X-ray imaging, researchers can study the bees’ 3D building techniques without damaging the comb. Chawla also highlights how the bees’ teamwork in repairing the comb underscores the power of collaboration.

“These Australian stingless bees are special,” Chawla said. “They build their comb in a spiral, similar to a parking garage, using pillars for support and repair.”

The bees’ intricate design and efficient use of resources provide valuable insights for innovation in engineering and materials science. Their highly organized colonies rely on teamwork for tasks like foraging, building, and maintaining the hive.

“The way they use resources efficiently and conserve energy is remarkable,” he added.

Purdue Researchers Unraveling Bee Behavior was originally published on wibc.com