UN-BEE-LIEVABLE: Trump Administration Moves To Close National Bee Research Lab Days After Learning Bee Venom Kills Cancer

The Trump administration is reportedly moving to close the nation’s primary federal bee research laboratory — a decision that’s already raising concern among scientists, environmental advocates, and beekeepers across the country. The USDA’s Beltsville bee lab has played a major role in studying honeybee colony collapse, crop pollination, parasites, and bee-related disease response for decades.  

The timing of the closure is drawing even more attention online after renewed discussion around research into bee venom and its potential cancer-fighting properties. Multiple studies in recent years have found that melittin — a key compound in honeybee venom — showed the ability to destroy certain cancer cells in laboratory settings, particularly aggressive breast cancer cells. Researchers stress, however, that the work is still experimental and not an approved cancer treatment.  

Critics argue the closure could slow critical pollinator research at a time when bee populations continue to decline nationwide. Honeybees are responsible for pollinating a large portion of America’s food supply, contributing billions to U.S. agriculture annually.