Michael Simone-Finstrom

Research Molecular Biologist

Mike Simone-Finstrom

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Research Molecular Biologist

Dr. Michael Simone-Finstrom is a Research Molecular Biologist. His research has focused on individual and social mechanisms of disease resistance, including resin/propolis use, hygienic behavior and genetic diversity. His current work aims to add to this line of research by more fully understanding how these traits work in concert in order to promote them within the beekeeping industry and identify components of viral resistance in honey bees.

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• Contact Information

 

• Publications

  • (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)
  • Resin use and social immunity in honey bees and stingless bees-(Book / Chapter)
    
    
  • Fine-scale assessment of Chlorella syrup as a nutritional supplement for honey bee colonies -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Dostalkova, S., Kodrik, D., Simone-Finstrom, M., Petrivalsky, M., Danihlik, J. 2022. Fine-scale assessment of Chlorella syrup as a nutritional supplement for honey bee colonies. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 10(1028037):1-12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2022.1028037.
    
  • Viral species differentially influence macronutrient preferences based on honey bee genotype -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Penn, H., Simone-Finstrom, M., De Guzman, L.I., Tokarz, P.G., Dickens, R.D. 2022. Viral species differentially influence macronutrient preferences based on honey bee genotype. Biology Open. 11(10):bio059039. https://doi.org/10.1242/bio.059039.
    
  • Honey bee genetic stock determines DWV symptom severity but not viral load or dissemination following pupal exposure -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Penn, H.J., Simone-Finstrom, M.D., Chen, Y., Healy, K.B. 2022. Honey bee genetic stock determines DWV symptom severity but not viral load or dissemination following pupal exposure. Frontiers in Genetics. 13:909392. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.909392.
    
  • Honey bee genetic stock determines DWV symptom severity but not viral load or dissemination following pupal exposure -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Penn, H., Simone-Finstrom, M., Chen, Y., Healy, K.B. 2022. Honey bee genetic stock determines DWV symptom severity but not viral load or dissemination following pupal exposure. Frontiers in Genetics. 13:909392. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.909392.
    
  • Colony-level viral load influences collective foraging in honey bees -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Penn, H., Simone-Finstrom, M., De Guzman, L.I., Tokarz, P.G., Dickens, R.D. 2022. Colony-level viral load influences collective foraging in honey bees. Frontiers in Insect Science. 2:894482. https://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2022.894482.
    
  • Colony-level viral load influences collective foraging in honey bees -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Penn, H., Simone-Finstrom, M., De Guzman, L.I., Tokarz, P.G., Dickens, R.D. 2022. Colony-level viral load influences collective foraging in honey bees. Frontiers in Insect Science. 2:894482. https://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2022.894482.
    
  • A derived honey bee stock confers resistance to Varroa destructor and associated viral transmission -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    O'Shea-Wheller, T.A., Rinkevich Jr, F.D., Danka, R.G., Simone-Finstrom, M., Tokarz, P.G., Healy, K.B. 2022. A derived honey bee stock confers resistance to Varroa destructor and associated viral transmission. Scientific Reports. 12(1). Article 4852. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08643-w.
    
  • Context-dependent viral transgenerational immune priming in honey bees (Hymenoptera: apidae) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Lang, S.A., Simone-Finstrom, M., Healy, K. 2022. Context-dependent viral transgenerational immune priming in honey bees (Hymenoptera: apidae). Journal of Insect Science. 22(1):19. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieac001.
    
  • Impact of honey bee migratory management on pathogen loads and immune gene expression is affected by complex interactions with environment, worker life history, and season -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Simone-Finstrom, M., Strand, M.K., Tarpy, D.R., Rueppell, O. 2022. Impact of honey bee migratory management on pathogen loads and immune gene expression is affected by complex interactions with environment, worker life history, and season. Journal of Insect Science. 22(1):17. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieab096.
    
  • Host genotype and tissue type determine DWV infection intensity -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Penn, H., Simone-Finstrom, M., Lang, S.A., Chen, Y., Healy, K. 2021. Host genotype and tissue type determine DWV infection intensity. Frontiers in Insect Science. Article 756690:1-12. https://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2021.756690.
    
  • Host genotype and tissue type determine DWV infection intensity -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Penn, H., Simone-Finstrom, M., Lang, S.A., Chen, Y., Healy, K. 2021. Host genotype and tissue type determine DWV infection intensity. Frontiers in Insect Science. 1:1-12. Article: 756690. https://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2021.756690.
    
  • A rapid fabrication methodology for payload modules, piloted for the observation of queen honeybee (Apis mellifera) in microgravity -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Smith, R., Kraemer, F., Bader, C., Smith, M., Weber, A., Simone-Finstrom, M., Wilson-Rich, N., Oxman, N. 2021. A rapid fabrication methodology for payload modules, piloted for the observation of queen honeybee (Apis mellifera) in microgravity. Gravitational and Space Research. 9:104-114. https://doi.org/10.2478/gsr-2021-0008.
    
  • DWV and honey bee genotypes determine infection level-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Colony- and individual-level viral infections determine macronutrient foraging preferences based on honey bee (Apis mellifera) genotype-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Genetic variation of Ascosphaera apis and colony attributes do not explain chalkbrood disease outbreaks in Australian honey bees -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Gerdts, J., Roberts, J., Simone-Finstrom, M., Ogbourne, S., Tuccie, J. 2021. Genetic variation of Ascosphaera apis and colony attributes do not explain chalkbrood disease outbreaks in Australian honey bees. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 180:107540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2021.107540.
    
  • Can supplementary pollen feeding reduce varroa mite and virus levels and improve honey bee colony survival? -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Hoffman, Gloria D., Corby-Harris, Vanessa L., Chen, Yanping, Graham, Henry, Chambers, Mona L., Watkins De Jong, Emily E., Ziolkowski, Nicholas F., Kang, Yun, Gage, Stepanhie L., Deeter, Megan E., Simone-Finstrom, Michael, De Guzman, Lilia, I. 2020. Can supplementary pollen feeding reduce varroa mite and virus levels and improve honey bee colony survival?. Experimental and Applied Acarology. 82:455-473. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-020-00562-7.
    
  • Genome-wide patterns of differentiation within and across U.S. commercial honey bee stocks -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Saelao, P., Simone-Finstrom, M., Avalos, A., Bilodeau, A.L., Danka, R.G., De Guzman, L.I., Rinkevich Jr, F.D., Tokarz, P.G. 2020. Genome-wide patterns of differentiation within and across U.S. commercial honey bee stocks. BMC Genomics. 21:1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-020-07111-x.
    
  • Genome-wide patterns of genetic differentiation within and across U.S. commercial honey bee stocks -(Proceedings)
    Saelao, P., Simone-Finstrom, M., Avalos, A., Bilodeau, A.L., Danka, R.G., De Guzman, L.I., Rinkevich Jr, F.D. 2020. Genome-wide patterns of genetic differentiation within and across U.S. commercial honey bee stocks. Insects. 11(6):362. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11060362.
    
  • Honey bee microbiome is stabilized in the presence of propolis. -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Saelao, P., Borba, R.S., Ricigliano, V.A., Spivak, M., Simone-Finstrom, M. 2020. Honey bee microbiome is stabilized in the presence of propolis. 2020. Biology Letters. 16:1-5. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2020.0003.
    
  • Nutritional and prebiotic efficacy of the microalga Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) in honey bees -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Ricigliano, V.A., Simone-Finstrom, M. 2020. Nutritional and prebiotic efficacy of the microalga Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) in honey bees. Apidologie. 51(2)1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13592-020-00770-5.
    
  • Optimizing the Benefits of Propolis to Honey Bee Health in Beekeeping Operations -(Proceedings)
    Shanahan, M., Simone-Finstrom, M., Spivak, M. 2020. Optimizing the Benefits of Propolis to Honey Bee Health in Beekeeping Operations. Insects. 11(2):1-49. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11020088.
    
  • A Longitudinal Study of the Principle Factors Leading to Colony Losses in Migratory Beekeeping -(Proceedings)
    Oshea-Wheller, T., Simone-Finstrom, M., Danka, R.G., Rinkevich Jr, F.D., Healy, K., Penn, H., Swale, D., Lang, S., Fellows, C. 2020. A Longitudinal Study of the Principle Factors Leading to Colony Losses in Migratory Beekeeping. Insects. 11(2):1-49. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11020088.
    
  • Tropilaelaps species identification and viral load evaluation of Tropilaelaps and Varroa mites and their Apis mellifera hosts in Palawan, Philippines -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    De Guzman, L.I., Simone-Finstrom, M., Cervancia, C., Tokarz, P.G., Frake, A.M. 2020. Tropilaelaps species identification and viral load evaluation of Tropilaelaps and Varroa mites and their Apis mellifera hosts in Palawan, Philippines. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 170:1-3.
    
  • Understanding mechanisms of differential tolerance to deformed wing infection in honey bees-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Optimizing the Benefits of Propolis to Honey Bee Health in Beekeeping Operations-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Defining pollinator health: A Holistic approach based on ecological, genetic and physiological factors -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Lopez-Uribe, M., Ricigliano, V.A., Simone-Finstrom, M. 2020. Defining pollinator health: assessing bee ecological, genetic and physiological factors at the individual, colony and population levels. Annual Review of Animal Biosciences. 8:296.
    
  • New players in honey bee immunity: the role of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Factors influencing colony survival in migratory beekeeping based on honey bee resistance traits-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Utilizing whole genome sequencing to identify genomic signatures across US commercial honey bee lines.-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Susceptibility to viral infection in honey bees driven by genotypic differences in tolerance and resistance-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Differential infection intensity based on route of viral infection in honey bee (Apis mellifera) queens.-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Identification of genomic signatures across seven US commercial honey bee lines using whole genome pooled sequencing.-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Propolis -(Book / Chapter)
    Spivak, M., Simone-Finstrom, M. 2019. Propolis. Int: Starr C. (eds) International Union for the Study of Scial Insects Congress. 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90306-4_134-1.
    
  • Social-medication in bees: the line between individual and social regulation -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Spivak, M., Goblirsch, M., Simone-Finstrom, M. 2019. Social-medication in bees: the line between individual and social regulation. Current Opinion in Insect Science. 33:49-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2019.02.009.
    
  • Special issue: Honey bee research in the US: Current state and solutions to beekeeping problems -(Other)
    Lopez-Uribe, M., Simone-Finstrom, M. 2019. Special issue: Honey bee research in the US: Current state and solutions to beekeeping problems. Insects. 10(1):1-5. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects10010022.
    
  • The dynamics of deformed wing virus titer and host defensive gene expression after varroa mite parasitism in honey bees, Apis mellifera -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Zhao, Y., Heerman, M.C., Peng, W., Evans, J.D., Rose, R., Hoffman, G.D., Simone-Finstrom, M., Li, J., Li, Z., Cook, S.C., Su, S., Rodriguez-Garcia, C., Banmeke, O.A., Hamilton, M.C., Chen, Y. 2019. The dynamics of deformed wing virus titer and host defensive gene expression after varroa mite parasitism in honey bees, Apis mellifera. Insects. 10(1):16. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects10010016.
    
  • Comb irradiation has limited, interactive effects on colony performance or pathogens in bees, Varroa destructor and wax based on two honey bee stocks -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    De Guzman, L.I., Simone-Finstrom, M., Frake, A.M., Tokarz, P.G. 2019. Comb irradiation has limited, interactive effects on colony performance or pathogens in bees, Varroa destructor and wax based on two honey bee stocks. Insects. 10(1):1-20. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects10010015.
    
  • Hygienic behaviour selection via freeze-killed honey bee brood not associated with chalkbrood resistance in eastern Australia -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Gerdts, J., Dewar, R.L., Simone-Finstrom, M., Edwards, T., Angove, M. 2018. Hygienic behaviour selection via freeze-killed honey bee brood not associated with chalkbrood resistance in eastern Australia. PLoS One. 13(11):1-13.
    
  • Pollinator health: Integrating ecological, genetic and physiological factors-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Effects of comb irradiation on colony performance, varroa mite population, and viral load in bees, varroa mites and wax-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Differential responses to DWV infection in honey bees: A case of tolerance or resistance? -(Proceedings)
    Simone-Finstrom, M. 2018. Differential responses to DWV infection in honey bees: A case of tolerance or resistance?. Bee World. 95(2):47-72. 10.1080/0005772X.2018.1450208.
    
  • So what are these acronyms I’ve never heard of before?: ABRC at AAPA 2018-(Trade Journal)
    Nino, E.L., Simone-Finstrom, M. 2018. So what are these acronyms I’ve never heard of before?: ABRC at AAPA 2018. American Bee Journal. 158(5):515-518.
    
  • Honey bee queens do not count mates to assess their mating success-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Simone-Finstrom, M., Tarpy, D.R. 2018. Honey bee queens do not count mates to assess their mating success. Journal of Insect Behavior. 31(2):200-209. doi: 10.1007/s10905-018-9671-3.
    
  • Gamma irradiation inactivates honey bee fungal, microsporidian, and viral pathogens and parasites-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Simone-Finstrom, M., Aronstein, K.A., Goblirsch, M., Rinkevich Jr, F.D., De Guzman, L.I. 2018. Gamma irradiation inactivates honey bee fungal, microsporidian, and viral pathogens and parasites. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 153:57-64.
    
  • Comparative flight activities and pathogen load of two stocks of honey bees reared in gamma-irradiated combs-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    De Guzman, L.I., Frake, A.M., Simone-Finstrom, M. 2017. Comparative flight activities and pathogen load of two stocks of honey bees reared in gamma-irradiated combs. Insects. 8, 127. doi:10.3390/insects8040127
    
  • Inducible versus constitutive immunity: Examining effects of colony infection on glucose oxidase and Defensin-1 production in honey bees-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Lopez-Uribe, M.M., Fitzgerald, A., Simone-Finstrom, M. 2017. Inducible versus constitutive immunity: Examining effects of colony infection on glucose oxidase and Defensin-1 production in honey bees. Royal Society Open Science. 4:170224. doi:10.1098/rsos170224.
    
  • Propolis counteracts some threats to honey bee health-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Simone-Finstrom, M., Borba, R.S., Wilson, M.B., Spivak, M. 2017. Propolis counteracts some threats to honey bee health. Insects. 8(2):46. doi:10.3390/insects8020046.
    
  • American Bee Research Conference 2017: A short report-(Trade Journal)
    Nino, E.L., Simone-Finstrom, M. 2017. American Bee Research Conference 2017: A short report. Bee Culture. 5:62-63.
    
  • Social immunity and the superorganism: Behavioral defenses protecting honey bee colonies from pathogens and parasites-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Simone-Finstrom, M. 2017. Social immunity and the superorganism: Behavioral defenses protecting honey bee colonies from pathogens and parasites. Bee World. 94(1):21-29. doi:10.1080/0005772X.2017.1307800.
    
  • Glucose oxidase production does not increase after colony infection: Testing its role in honey bee social immunity-(Proceedings)
    Lopez-Uribe, M.M., Simone-Finstrom, M. 2017. Glucose oxidase production does not increase after colony infection: Testing its role in honey bee social immunity. Bee World. 93(4):104-127.
    
  • Genetic diversity confers colony-level benefits due to individual immunity-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Simone-Finstrom, M., Walz, M., Tarpy, D.R. 2016. Genetic diversity confers colony-level benefits due to individual immunity. Biology Letters. 12:20151007. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2016.1007
    
  • Migratory management and environmental conditions affect lifespan and oxidative stress in honey bees-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Simone-Finstrom, M., Li-Byarlay, H., Huang, M.H., Strand, M.K., Rueppell, O., Tarpy, D.R. 2016. Migratory management and environmental conditions affect lifespan and oxidative stress in honey bees. Scientific Reports. 6:1-10. doi:10.1038/srep32023.
    
  • Standard methods for Apis mellifera propolis research-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Bankova, V., Bertelli,, D., Borba, R., Conti, B., Cunha, I., Danert, C., Eberlin, M., Falcão, S., Isla, M., Moreno, M., Papotti, G., Popova, M., Santiago, K., Salas, A., Sawaya, A., Schwab, N., Sforcin, J., Simone-Finstrom, M., Spivak, M., Trusheva, B., Vilas-Boas, M., Wilson, M., Zampini, C. 2016. Standard methods for Apis mellifera propolis research. Journal of Apicultural Research. doi:10.1080/00218839.2016.1222661.
    
  • Honey bee (Apis mellifera) drones survive oxidative stress due to increased tolerance instead of avoidance or repair of oxidative damage-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Li-Byarlay1, H., Huang, M., Simone-Finstrom, M., Strand, M.K., Tarpy, D.R., Rueppell, O. 2016. Honey bee (Apis mellifera) drones survive oxidative stress due to increased tolerance instead of avoidance or repair of oxidative damage. Experimental Gerontology 83:15-21.
    
  • Defending the hive: social mechanisms complement individual immunity in honey bees-(Abstract Only)
    Simone-Finstrom, M. 2016. Defending the hive: social mechanisms complement individual immunity in honey bees. International Congress of Entomology. https://esa.confex.com/esa/ice2016/meetingapp.cgi.
    
  • Comparing the flight activities of workers from two stocks of honey bees (Apis mellifera) raised in gamma-irradiated combs using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology-(Abstract Only)
    De Guzman, L.I., Frake, A.M., Simone-Finstrom, M. 2016. Comparing the flight activities of workers from two stocks of honey bees (Apis mellifera) raised in gamma-irradiated combs using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. International Congress of Entomology. https://esa.confex.com/esa/ice2016/meetingapp.cgi.
    

• Projects

  Using Genetics to Improve the Breeding and Health of Honey Bees In-House Appropriated (D)   Accession Number:437823

  Microalgae as a Novel Platform to Improve Honey Bee Nutrition, Microbiome Health, and Pathogen Resistance Interagency Reimbursable Agreement (I)   Accession Number:439554

  Investigating the Impacts of Viral Infection on Visual Pathways and Responses in the Honey Bee Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement (R)   Accession Number:441264

  Selection and Production of Virus-resistant Honey Bees: Ensuring Future Food Security by Reducing Colony Losses, Improving Beekeeping Sustainability Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement (R)   Accession Number:441927

  Understanding Host-Microbiota Interactions to Improve Honey Bee Health Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:440185

  Viral Diversity in Mite Resistant Honey Bees and Its Impact on Colony Health Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement (T)   Accession Number:441679

• ARS News Articles

  	Microalgae Food for Honey Bees
  	ARS-Developed Varroa-Resistant Honey Bees Better Winter Survivors
  	Putting Honey Bees to Work for Veterans

 

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