Is it possible that a path of investigation is right under our noses, so to 
speak?
I havent followed this thread perfectly so perhaps the following has been 
explored:

Reading Dr. Bromenshanks' comments about bees ignoring even exposed frames 
of honey(I assume in times of dearth) it seems as if the bees are smelling 
something that they dont like.
Is it possible that what they smell and dont like is the same "thing" that 
is causing the bees to leave and not return?
Jerry cautiously stated that CCD seemed to spread through the hives in 
waves...is it possible that this is not due to disease "spread" but simply a 
reaction to a common stimulus?

If there is indeed an odor/gas  involved(perhaps due to some "brew" of 
pollen mixes w/fermentation etc) couldnt it be checked somehow by examining 
the air in the brood chamber of a freshly collapsed hive...maybe this could 
give some hints.

Anyhow, as I detected that there was a shortage of speculation on CCD I 
decided to put in those two cents:)
John Horton 

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned 
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html