Apis

Preface to the first issue

János Körmendy-Rácz — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 12:53:07 +0000

Preface - see pdf

Preparation Method for Protocols of Case Studies in Apitherapy - The Common Language of Integrative Medicine

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The integration of apitherapy into modern medicine requires robust documentation and communication of its clinical efficacy. This paper addresses the need for standardized protocols to guide case studies in apitherapy, ensuring credibility and comparability across treatments. By outlining essential parameters for case documentation—including patient history, experimental conditions, product characterization, and evaluation criteria—this framework aims to enhance the quality and acceptance of alternative treatments. The proposed methodology aligns with established guidelines from organizations like the Joanna Briggs Institute and Cochrane, facilitating the adoption of a common language in integrative medicine. Standardized protocols will support practitioners in demonstrating the efficacy of apitherapy while adhering to ethical and regulatory standards. Ultimately, these measures aim to bridge the gap between anecdotal evidence and scientific validation, fostering greater trust and integration of apitherapy within conventional medical practice.

Famous Yet Forgotten Natives of Baja: Bódog Beck, the Father of Apitherapy

János Mayer — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This article revisits the life and legacy of Dr. Bódog Félix Beck, a native of Baja, Hungary, whose pioneering work in apitherapy earned him international recognition, yet remains underappreciated in his hometown. Born in 1868, Beck trained as a physician in Budapest before emigrating to the United States in 1901, where he gained prominence for his innovative use of bee venom therapy to treat rheumatic conditions and arthritis. He authored Bee Venom Therapy (1935), a foundational text in the field, and Honey and Health (1938), which explored the cultural and medical significance of honey. Despite initial controversy, Beck’s methods influenced modern medical and pharmaceutical
approaches to apitherapy, cementing his status as a trailblazer. Beyond medicine, he actively engaged with the public through lectures and publications. Beck’s contributions, including a vast library integrated into Cornell University’s Phillips Collection, remain influential today. Efforts are now underway in Baja to honor his memory through a memorial and the establishment of the Dr. Bódog Beck Memorial Medal by the Hungarian Apitherapy Association. This article seeks to reclaim Beck’s rightful place among Baja’s distinguished figures and highlight his enduring scientific impact.

One of Baja City’s New Squares Named After Dr. Bódog Félix Beck

Miklós Hajdú — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This article explores the dedication of a new public square in Baja, Hungary, named in honor of Dr. Bódog Félix Beck, a distinguished native of the city known internationally as Bodog F. Beck. The initiative, spearheaded by Dr. János Körmendy-Rácz and Mihály Simics, aimed to commemorate Beck’s contributions through extensive historical research and collaboration with local museums and archives. The triangular square, located near Beck’s birthplace, was officially named “Dr. Bódog Félix Beck Square” on August 29, 2024, by the General Assembly of Baja City. The naming decision was influenced by the site’s proximity to his birthplace and the significance of Beck’s legacy. The square was inaugurated on September 6, 2024, with a ceremony featuring speeches by local figures and coverage by multiple media outlets. This commemoration underscores the role of historical figures in shaping public memory and highlights the interplay between local heritage and global recognition.

Book Review: The Life of Dr. Bódog Félix Beck

András Bónai — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 04:22:36 +0000

This review examines The Life of Dr. Félix Bódog Beck, a 239-page book in the Literatura Apiterapiae series, published in 2019 by Lilli Publishing House. Written in Hungarian, the book stands out for its meticulous historical reconstruction of Dr. Beck’s life and contributions, enriched by rare photographs, multilingual summaries, and authentic documents.
Highlights include Beck’s pioneering medical work, his multilingual legacy, and his profound influence on apitherapy. The book also addresses inaccuracies about Beck’s life and offers rare insights into his relationship with Franklin Everett Phillips. This work is essential for readers interested in apitherapy history, medical advancements, and historical
emigration narratives.

Changes in Honeybee Behavior Induced by a Total Solar Eclipse in an Apiary

László Baldavári — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the behavioral and foraging responses of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) to the total solar eclipse on August 11, 1999, in a Hungarian apiary. Using video recordings, the departures and returns of foraging bees were monitored throughout the eclipse. Results revealed that foraging activity sharply declined as light intensity dropped below 10%. In the minutes leading up to totality, pollen-collecting foragers returned en masse to the hives, while departures nearly ceased. During and immediately after totality, bees exhibited disoriented behavior, including difficulty locating their hives, collisions, and abnormal buzzing sounds. Many displayed signs of fatigue, such as immobility, slow walking, and intense abdominal pulsation indicative of heavy breathing. Interestingly, bees returning from foraging resumed normal activity more quickly than those directly affected at the hive. Foraging activity remained subdued for approximately one hour post-eclipse, despite favorable temperature conditions.
These observations highlight how sudden environmental changes, particularly alterations in light intensity and sky polarization, profoundly influence honey bee behavior. The findings enhance our understanding of how bees rely on environmental cues for navigation and activity regulation, with potential implications for apiary management and ecological research during similar phenomena.