According to mycologist Paul Stamens of Fungi Perfecti, rare fungi found in the old-growth forests of western Washington can help fight other viruses and diseases, including tuberculosis, smallpox and bird flu. He wondered if the honeybee would see similar health benefits from wood-rotting mushrooms.

"We've gone to the moon, we've gone to Mars, yet we don't know the way of the bee?"

– Paul Stamets

Learn more about how mycelium can increase the lifespan of the honeybee from the original article on NPR.