Science

Bees struggle to smell flowers when air pollutants combine

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 08/10/2026, 23:10:24 UTC.

Briefings

Research from the University of Reading indicates that bees, moths, and other pollinators struggle to detect floral scents when exposed to ozone and nitrogen oxides. A comprehensive analysis of 22 experimental studies revealed that these two pollutants degrade or modify the chemical signals flowers emit, significantly reducing pollinator attraction. This study was conducted between 2024 and 2026, with findings presented in October 2026.

Key points

• Ozone and nitrogen oxides degrade floral scents, making them harder for pollinators to detect.
• The University of Reading led the analysis of 22 experimental studies covering the period 2024-2026.

Context and limitations

The evidence covers only 22 experimental studies; broader ecological impacts and long-term population trends remain unquantified.

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