Bees play a critical role in our food production system as pollinators. Because of this they are considered a "keystone species," a species which many other species in an ecosystem rely on. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 75% of all crops that produce fruit or seeds for human consumption depend, at least in part, on pollinators—most commonly, bees. In 2006, scientists observed a major decline in bee populations, attributed in part to Colony Collapse Disorder, a phenomena where worker honeybees abandon their colonies in large numbers, attributed to stressors like pests, diseases, pesticides, and the effects of climate change such as nutritional deficits and habitat loss. The prime objective with regards to bees is conservation, which has been successful in recent years--no incidents of CCD have been reported in several years, and currently bees are not at risk of extinction. However given the recent concern, and the central role bees play in food production, scientists have begun seeking out ways to assist pollinators in their mission.
In 2017 Eijiro Miyako, a chemist at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, adapted a 1.5 inch toy drone into one that could pollinate flowers. The first iteration, glued with horse hair that would have collected and deposited pollen, failed—the pollen delivery required the drone to get close enough that its propellers damaged the flowers. Miyako developed a second ultimately successful iteration while playing with his son in the park. Upon seeing a toy bubble-gun dispense a stream of bubbles, Miyako realized that a similar device might allow gentler delivery of pollen to the flowers. After some trial and error, Miyako and his colleagues devised the best solution and procedure, and successfully pollinated flowers in three trees. Their method was more successful than other forms of manual pollination, requiring a fraction of the pollen. The team's further experiments have involved adapting the bubble sprayer to aerial drones, which were eventually able to hit 90% of the flowers with pollen bubbles.
While the pollinating drone is still in its early stages, Miyako and his team are continuing to improve the already promising technology. Future drones may even be able to identify flowers for better targeting of the pollen. The team is also working on a soap solution that is biodegradable. While the technology can't replace bees and other natural pollinators outright, pollinating drones are a promising example of ways humans can contribute to the efforts of natural pollinators in addition to conservation efforts.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.