Bee Amazed

In 1929, a German chronobiologist named Ingeborg Beling conducted experiments where she trained honeybees to come out of their hives at a specific time to collect sugar water. These experiments demonstrated that bees have an accurate and consistent memory of time, but only within a 24-hour cycle. Other researchers conducted experiments in dark, temperature-controlled rooms and even 180 meters underground in a salt mine to eliminate external cues such as sunlight, warmth, humidity, and air ionization. Despite these circumstances, bees maintained their timekeeping skills.

Chronobiologists conducted various tests to examine the circadian rhythms of bees. These tests included raising bees in specialized incubators, altering their metabolism with chemicals, and exposing them to near-freezing temperatures. Despite these disruptive conditions, cooling only delayed the bees’ 24-hour rhythm by 3-6 hours. The most convincing evidence came from an experiment where bees were trained in Paris and transported to New York. The bees experienced jet lag while searching for food around Central European Time. Still, they gradually adjusted to the Eastern Time Zone by resetting their internal clocks using the sun, similar to humans. Thus, bees can tell time. 

According to the study, despite having tiny brains, bees possess higher cognitive abilities than previously believed. They can measure short intervals ranging from 6 to 36 seconds and potentially manage multiple timings simultaneously. However, the exact mechanism by which bees keep time is still unknown. Several hypotheses have been proposed, including counting heartbeats, observing temperature cycles in the hive, or having an innate sense of time passing. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the complex cognitive functions of bees and other insects. It also opens up new avenues for research into the cognitive abilities of small-brained species.

The discovery of such incredible abilities within these tiny creatures creates a striking contrast that reminds us of Carl Gustav Boberg’s experience. After a storm, the serene beauty and birds singing contrasted sharply with the previous chaos. It made Boberg reflect on the wonders of creation and the power of God, which eventually inspired him to write the verses of “How Great Thou Art.”

In the same way that we have discovered the honeybee’s sophisticated sense of time, it leads us to question the level of intelligence and cognitive capacity of animals. This discovery encourages us to appreciate the intricacies we can find in even the smallest creatures, just like how Boberg contemplated the wonders of creation and the omnipotence of God after the storm. As we continue to uncover the mysteries of nature, it makes us wonder about the other remarkable abilities possessed by the creatures around us. How often do we disregard the extraordinary while striving to comprehend the world, and how might these revelations inspire us to consider the grander mysteries of existence?

Paul’s words to the Romans (1.18–23) explain that the Gentiles were unrighteous because they rejected God’s testimony about Himself in nature. This scriptural perspective reminds us that the marvels of the natural world, as uncovered by scientific inquiry, can also be a testament to something greater than ourselves. When we explore the intricacies of nature, from the tiniest bee to the vast cosmos, Paul’s words about eternal power and divine nature face us, pointing us toward an ever-present nature that is waiting to be discovered and revered.

Combining science and spirituality leads to a deeper understanding of the world’s complexities. Whether we look through a microscope, read a hymn, or study scripture, each perspective offers a unique insight into the vastness of our world. As we stand at the intersection of knowledge and wonder, we can echo the sentiment expressed by Boberg in “How Great Thou Art” and continue to be inspired by the wonders of nature and divinity.