
Samantha Alger: What can we do to save the bees?
Pollinator specialist from the University of Vermont Samantha Alger explains the threats facing our bees, and why that’s a problem for us.
We all appreciate the buzz of the humble bee in the garden, however, not a summer goes past without hearing news that our bee population is under threat, with the finger usually pointing at habitat loss or chemicals containing neonicotinoids.
But in reality, there are a whole host of reasons why our vital bee population is in decline.
And given they provide pollination services for every one in three bites of the food we eat, their survival is critical to our very way of life.
In this episode of the Science Focus Podcast, University of Vermont environmental scientist and pollination specialist Samantha Alger talks about her work uncovering the secret life of bees, what is causing the decline in bee numbers, and what we can do so save them.
Let us know what you think of the episode with a review or a comment wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Listen to more episodes of the Science Focus Podcast:
- Mark Lynas: Could leaving nature to its own devices be the key to meeting the UK’s climate goals?
- Andrew Hunter Murray and Dan Schreiber: Is there really no such thing as a fish?
- Brad Lister: Are we facing an insect apocalypse?
- Nick Lyon: Filming a Dynasty
- Neil Gemmell: The genetic hunt for the Loch Ness Monster
- Steve Brusatte: The truth about dinosaurs
Authors

Amy is the Editorial Assistant at BBC Science Focus. Her BA degree specialised in science publishing and she has been working as a journalist since graduating in 2018. In 2020, Amy was named Editorial Assistant of the Year by the British Society of Magazine Editors. She looks after all things books, culture and media. Her interests range from natural history and wildlife, to women in STEM and accessibility tech.
Sponsored Deals

May Half Price Sale
- Save up to 52% when you subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine.
- Risk - free offer! Cancel at any time when you subscribe via Direct Debit.
- FREE UK delivery.
- Stay up to date with the latest developments in the worlds of science and technology.