Using CT scanners to investigate bees' brains.

Recently featured in a television documentary, Dr Mark Greco, Charles Sturt University, Australia, continues his non-invasive research of the bee brain and investigated the effect of pathogens and pollutants on bee memory and behaviour. 

Supported by the Eva Crane Trust.

This project is significant because it will improve our understanding on how bees respond when compromised by pathogens and how behaviours are affected by environmental pressures.

Dr Mark Greco, senior lecturer in medical imaging in the CSU School of Dentistry and Health Sciences has developed innovative methods for studying insects and their behaviour using non-invasive imaging which is termed 'diagnostic radioentemology' (DR).

Read more at http://news.csu.edu.au/latest-news/science/csu-scientist-reveals-a-hidden-world?MPWesM6cgCWH8swy.99

Dr Greco is currently using this technology as part of a research project funded by the Eva Crane Trust to understand the impact of environmental pollutants on bees.

"Bees accumulate a cocktail of pollutants during pollination when the insects collect nectar from flowers," Dr Greco said.

"These pollutants have serious implications for the health of bee colonies, the continuity of pollen-propagated plants and food crops, and the wider farming and food production industries.

"Prior to this technology, invasive manual methods were used that harmed the insect."

Recently featured in a television show in Australia, Micro Monsters, revealed the hidden world of insects and showed some of  Dr Greco's research. This is the latest from the famous nature documentary maker David Attenborough.

More information on Dr Greco's research and a series of CT scan videos can be viewed here.

Read more at http://news.csu.edu.au/latest-news/science/csu-scientist-reveals-a-hidden-world?MPWesM6cgCWH8swy.99

Dr Mark K Greco FRES

Senior Lecturer in Medical Imaging
Faculty of Science
School of Dentistry and Health Sciences
Charles Sturt University
Boorooma Street, Locked Bag 588
Building 30
Wagga Wagga  
NSW   2678 
Australia                                                                                                                                 Updated: 10 Oct. 2017