ArticlePloS one2016
Improving Mitochondrial Function Protects Bumblebees from Neonicotinoid Pesticides.
Article in PloS one, 2016. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 19 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
19 citing papers in PubMed, 44 citations in OpenAlex.
- Near-Infrared and Red-Light Photobiomodulation for Ocular Aging and Diseases: A Narrative Review.Ophthalmology and therapy · 2026Review
- LED lighting (350-650nm) undermines human visual performance unless supplemented by wider spectra (400-1500nm+) like daylight.Scientific reports · 2026Article
- Antioxidant Potential of Pollen Polyphenols in Mitigating Environmental Stress in Honeybees (Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Review
- Longer wavelengths in sunlight pass through the human body and have a systemic impact which improves vision.Scientific reports · 2025Article
- The Essential Oil Component Terpinyl Acetate Alters Honey Bee Energy Levels and Foraging Behavior.Insects · 2025Article
- Biochemical responses, feeding and survival in the solitary bee Osmia bicornis following exposure to an insecticide and a fungicide alone and in combination.Environmental science and pollution research international · 2023Article
- Exposure to long wavelength light that improves aged mitochondrial function shifts acute cytokine expression in serum and the retina.PloS one · 2023Article
- The flavonoid rutin protects the bumble bee Bombus impatiens against cognitive impairment by imidacloprid and fipronil.The Journal of experimental biology · 2022Article
- Neonicotinoids: mechanisms of systemic toxicity based on oxidative stress-mitochondrial damage.Archives of toxicology · 2022Review
- Systemic glucose levels are modulated by specific wavelengths in the solar light spectrum that shift mitochondrial metabolism.PloS one · 2022Article
- Toxicological status changes the susceptibility of the honey bee Apis mellifera to a single fungicidal spray application.Environmental science and pollution research international · 2021Article
- Methylene blue can act as an antidote to pesticide poisoning of bumble bee mitochondria.Scientific reports · 2021Article
- Impacts of Neonicotinoids on the Bumble Bees Bombus terrestris and Bombus impatiens Examined through the Lens of an Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework.Environmental toxicology and chemistry · 2021Review
- Improved mitochondrial function corrects immunodeficiency and impaired respiration in neonicotinoid exposed bumblebees.PloS one · 2021Article
- A day in the life of mitochondria reveals shifting workloads.Scientific reports · 2019Article
- Fundamental differences in patterns of retinal ageing between primates and mice.Scientific reports · 2019Article
- Non-mammalian Hosts and Photobiomodulation: Do All Life-forms Respond to Light?Photochemistry and photobiology · 2019Review
- Photobiomodulation-induced changes in a monkey model of Parkinson's disease: changes in tyrosine hydroxylase cells and GDNF expression in the striatum.Experimental brain research · 2017Article
- Aging retinal function is improved by near infrared light (670 nm) that is associated with corrected mitochondrial decline.Neurobiology of aging · 2017Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Global pollination is threatened by declining insect pollinator populations that may be linked to neonicotinoid pesticide use. Neonicotinoids over stimulate neurons and depolarize their mitochondria, producing immobility and death. However, mitochondrial function can be improved by near infrared light absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondrial respiration. In flies, daily exposure to 670nm light throughout life increases average lifespan and aged mobility, and reduces systemic inflammation. Here we treat bumble bees with Imidacloprid a common neonicotinoid. This undermined ATP and rapidly induced immobility and reduced visual function and survival. Bees exposed to insecticide and daily to 670nm light showed corrected ATP levels and significantly improved mobility allowing them to feed. Physiological recordings from eyes revealed that light exposure corrected deficits induced by the pesticide. Overall, death rates in bees exposed to insecticide but also given 670nm light were indistinguishable from controls. When Imidacloprid and light exposure were withdrawn, survival was maintained. Bees and insects generally cannot see deep red light so it does not disturb their behaviour. Hence, we show that deep red light exposure that improves mitochondrial function, reverses the sensory and motor deficits induced by Imidacloprid. These results may have important implications as light delivery is economic and can be placed in hives/colonies.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.