Part II: Bee Deaths And CCD – Flawed Chensheng Lu Harvard Studies Endanger Bees
November 26, 2014
From: Science 2.0
By Jon Entine
Last week, in Part I of this two part series, “Bee Deaths Mystery Solved? Neonicotinoids (Neonics) May Actually Help Bee Health”, we explored the claims by Harvard School of Public Health researcher Chensheng Lu, heralded by anti-pesticide and anti-GMO advocacy groups, for his research that purportedly proves that the class of chemicals known as neonicotinoids are killing bees and endangering humans. And we saw how many journalists, our of ignorance or for ideological reason,s promote dicey science.
In Part II, we examine the specific claim that neonics are responsible for Colony Collapse Disorder—the centerpiece of Lu’s assertions. We again see how influential media manipulate quotes and selectively present information to ideologically influence trusting readers.
And we look at what might happen if neonics are banned, as well as their real impact in agriculture—including intriguing, but incomplete evidence, that when used appropriately the controversial pesticide may actually improve bee health.
A week does not go by without one advocacy group or government official or activist scientist making sensational claims about the supposed catastrophic dangers that neonics supposedly present.
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