Abstract
Honeybees are a well-established model for the study of learning and cognition. This is mostly due to the existence of well established conditioning protocols in this group. Although most conditioning protocols are straightforward, their implementation can be challenging due to the presence of multiple procedural steps necessary to ensure learning. Therefore, the use of volunteers to assist in data collection, can be a valuable resource to those who study animal cognition. Here, we developed and implemented a protocol to safely study the effects of caffeine and dopamine on learning performance in honeybees. Using a classical conditioning protocol, we demonstrated that caffeine, but not dopamine, significantly reduced the number of trials required for a successful conditioning response.
Simple Summary Global scientific literacy can be greatly improved through widespread and effective community engagement by researchers. However, a significant part of citizen-driven science are projects with compelling narratives and relevance. We propose Apis mellifera (honeybee) as an excellent engagement tool due to widespread awareness of colony collapse and the bees’ importance in food production. Moreover, their cognitive abilities provide a system for meaningful experimentation that can be performed economically. Using proboscis extension response as a proxy for honeybee learning, a group of non-specialist high-school-aged participants demonstrated that caffeine, but not dopamine, improved learning. Given the importance of learning for hive health, this demonstrates that this experimental system, with non-specialist participants, could rapidly identify potential factors that shape learning
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
