The use of bees as biomonitors has evolved over the years. Since then biologists have proved that not only are bees affected by environmental pollutants, but that they bring back detrimental chemicals to their colonies. They hope to identify environmental threats early on, so that remediation can take place before further harm occurs. Electronic Hives UM's electronic hives are abuzz with activity. Entrance counters monitor the coming and going of every bee.
Pressure transducers track changes in hive weight.
Sensors follow the bees' efforts to stabilize the temperature and humidity in the brood nests. Sensors measure sound, and air flow indicators measure fanning activity as the bees attempt to cool the hive and drive off excess moisture from newly harvested nectar. An electronic weather station continuously monitors the weather. This data is fed into a bank of portable computers housed in long metal toolboxes near the hive. None of these electronic sensing capabilities is unique, but UM's hives are the first in the nation to be fully wired for all of this data.