Big bees have the most to lose as global CO₂ levels rise: New research

**

What Happened

Recent studies have shed new light on the impact of climate change on pollinators, the importance of stem cells in human health, and the evolving role of craft in modern design. In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that rising CO2 levels may be putting pollinators, such as bees and hoverflies, at risk. Larger bees, in particular, are vulnerable to the effects of increased CO2 levels, which can lead to smaller populations and reduced genetic diversity.

Why It Matters

The decline of pollinators has significant implications for our ecosystem and food supply. Without these hardworking animals, plants would be unable to reproduce, and our food crops would suffer. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for action to mitigate the effects of climate change on pollinators.

What Experts Say

"The result is a kind of reference atlas; it's a way to look up what perturbing almost any gene does to a stem cell's behavior, measured here as the impact on its whole transcriptome," said Prashant Mali, professor in the Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering.

Key Numbers

• 2.5 million stem cells analyzed in the genome-scale reference map
• 15 mm-thick veneer panels used in the FLAT/FORM furniture collection
• 100+ years old: the age of the Japanese cedar trees used in the FLAT/FORM project

Background

Craft has long been associated with traditional techniques and materials. However, recent innovations in design and technology have transformed the field, enabling craft to play a vital role in modern architecture, art, and technology. The FLAT/FORM furniture collection, designed by Satoshi Itasaka, is a prime example of this shift, combining traditional Japanese construction principles with a flat-pack system that allows for easy assembly and disassembly.

What Comes Next

As we look to the future, it is clear that interdisciplinary approaches will be essential in addressing the complex challenges we face. By combining insights from biology, engineering, and design, we can develop innovative solutions that promote sustainability, health, and well-being.

Key Facts:

• Who: Prashant Mali, professor in the Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering
• What: Developed a genome-scale reference map detailing how individual genes control the functions and identities of human stem cells
• When: 2026
• Where: University of California San Diego
• Impact: Enables researchers to build virtual cell models for complex diseases and design patient-specific treatments

> "Craft is no longer confined to the past, nor does it exist simply to preserve tradition. Instead, it has become a way of thinking through the challenges of the present, offering approaches to design, architecture, art, and technology that value curiosity, patience, and material understanding." — Kengo Kuma, architect