Researchers Md Khairul Islam, Katherine Hammer, Cornelia Locher, Tomislav Sostaric and Lee Yong Lim have published a paper about a new method for analysing the antioxidant activity of honeys. Abstract The use of High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) coupled with the use of DPPH* (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) as a derivatisation reagent is a novel approach to the analysis …
Valuing Western Australia’s natural resources for beekeepers
Associate Professor Ben White (benedict.white@uwa.edu.au) and Research Assistant Cheryl Day have created a new questionnaire that is open to all beekeepers in the south-west of Western Australia. Western Australia’s natural bushland and forests provide a unique opportunity to migratory beekeepers with year-round nectar and pollen supply for their European honey bees (Apis mellifera). Endemic vegetation …
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Research paper: Satellite prediction of forest flowering phenology
CRC researchers Dan Dixon and Nik Callow have recently published a paper in Remote Sensing of Environment titled ‘Satellite prediction of forest flowering phenology’. Flowering events echo environmental conditions, making them an interesting phenomenon to monitor. However, current methods of detection and monitoring are expensive and limited. In this study, researchers trained a model to …
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Spotlight on Research: Sylvester Obeng-Darko discusses DHA production in Leptospermum species
Sylvester Obeng-Darko, a PhD student with the CRC for Honey Bee Products, discusses his research on DHA production and Leptospermum nectar. Manuka honey’s reputation is based on the ingredient methylglyoxal (MGO). The precursor of MGO is dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is found in the nectar of certain plants within the Leptospermum genus. When the honey bee …
Following on from this original update, researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast have produced a full report. “The project quantifies the bioactive molecules, DHA, MGO and HMF in Leptospermum nectars and honeys by HPLC. It continues the mapping the geographical distribution of Australian Manuka honey production in Australia and analyses the species-specific nectar …
Vidushi Patel, PhD candidate and researcher at the CRC for Honey Bee Products, discusses her research on the impacts of environmental pressures on commercial beekeepers’ hive migration patterns. To examine these complex interactions, Vidushi uses a spatial multi-agent modelling approach. She is keen to apply her existing knowledge to understand these interactions between natural and …
NEW DATE: Friday, 5th March – 6pm (originally 12th February) The CRC is collaborating with Swan Valley and Eastern Regions Slow Food, the Noongar Land Enterprise Group, and BICWA to host an evening of celebration, honey tasting, and food. The event celebrates WA’s bee biodiversity and highly-valued honey varieties. It’s also a chance to reflect …
With the end of the year fast approaching, now is an excellent time to congratulate the students who’ve accomplished so much despite the obstacles. Congratulations to Peylin Ng for completing her Masters in Professional Engineering. With the CRC’s help, she recently submitted her thesis titled ‘Automated Pollen Detection System in Honey’. We also congratulate Sandria …
CRC researchers Kate Hammer, Kathryn Green, and Kenneth Dods have published a paper in PLoS ONE about a new method for quantifying the antibacterial activity of honey. Their new microplate assay was created to address some of the shortcomings of the current industry-standard phenol equivalence assay. Through various tests, the researchers have deemed this new …
The CRC for Honey Bee Products was recently featured in an article in The West Australian alongside other cooperative research centres. “WA’s co-operative research centres landed more corporate funding this year to advance innovative projects in the mining and agricultural sectors, but industry leaders say it was no easy feat in the year of COVID-19.” …
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