The Case of the Missing Bees

By Jeffri C. Bohlscheid, Frank J. Dinan

Abstract

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has claimed approximately one-third of the commercial honeybee population in recent years. A number of causes have been suggested for this phenomenon, including the consumption of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) by the bees. This directed case investigates the issues and chemistry that might be involved in CCD related to HFCS. The case was developed for use in an undergraduate organic chemistry or food chemistry course.

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Date Posted

01/28/2011

Overview

Objectives

To familiarize students with the methods by which rigorous and less rigorous scientific research is conducted.
To illustrate the difficulties involved in establishing a single cause for a vitally important scientific question.
To allow students to see the difficulties that arise when "spin" is used to cast doubt on scientific research and its conclusions.
To let students critically evaluate the conclusions drawn by diverse groups of people who all have access to the same data.

Keywords

Bees; honeybee; colony collapse disorder; fructose; corn syrup; HFCS-55; 5-hydoxymethylfurfural; HMF; sucrose; sugar; starch; monosaccharides; hydrolysis; enol-keto tautomerization; enzymes; beekeeping; apiculture; Corn Refiners Association; insects

Subject Headings

Agriculture

Biochemistry

Biology (General)

Botany / Plant Science

Chemistry (General)

Food Science / Technology

Nutrition

Organic Chemistry

Science (General)

Toxicology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Scientific method

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Directed

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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