ADVERTISEMENT
Two microscopy images of the ant brain. The image on the left shows the brain of a major worker, with high levels of the hormone-degrading enzyme in the blood-brain barrier. The image on the right shows depleted levels of the enzyme in the blood-brain barrier of minor worker ants.
The Brain's Barrier Controls Ant Behavior
Division of labor in ant colonies may depend on an enzyme trapped inside the blood-brain barrier.
The Brain's Barrier Controls Ant Behavior
The Brain's Barrier Controls Ant Behavior

Division of labor in ant colonies may depend on an enzyme trapped inside the blood-brain barrier.

Division of labor in ant colonies may depend on an enzyme trapped inside the blood-brain barrier.

ants

In this transgenic ant pupa surrounded by wild type pupae, green fluorescence on top reveals olfactory sensory neurons. On the bottom, the expression of red fluorescent protein shows throughout the ant pupa body.
Spying on Transgenic Ants Reveals How Their Brains Respond to Alarm Odors
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Jul 7, 2023 | 2 min read
By successfully creating transgenic ants for the first time, researchers discovered that danger-signaling pheromones activate a sensory hub in the ants’ brains.
Brown-red ants climb over a pile of white translucent larvae and orange pupae. Some use their mandibles to position the larvae.
Ant Pupae Feed Adults, Larvae with Secreted Liquid 
Viviane Callier | Nov 30, 2022 | 4 min read
The molting fluid of ant pupae functions as “metabolic currency” in the ant colony and may have enabled the evolution of eusociality. 
An international team of scientists used sensitive instruments to show that oil from human skin reacts with ozone to generate potent, free radicals. These chemicals can further react with most organic compounds present in the indoor environment to produce dangerous pollutants. 
Caught on Camera
The Scientist | Nov 14, 2022 | 3 min read
See some of the coolest images recently featured by The Scientist
Hawaiian Bobtail squid
Symbiotic Organs: Extreme Intimacy with the Microbial World
Catherine Offord | Oct 3, 2022 | 10+ min read
All multicellular creatures interact with bacteria, but some have taken the relationship to another level with highly specialized structures that house, feed, and exploit the tiny organisms.
Illustration of a Hawaiian Bobtail squid
Infographic: Symbiotic Organs Bring Hosts and Microbes Closer
Catherine Offord | Oct 3, 2022 | 2 min read
Specialized structures in plants and animals help attract and mediate communication with bacterial symbionts.
ant with wings on white background
Secret to Reproductive Ants’ Longevity Revealed
Patience Asanga | Sep 2, 2022 | 3 min read
Researchers say they've figured out how some reproductive ants live up to 30 years—far longer than workers.
dead bee surrounded by yellow flower petals
Science Snapshot: One Insect’s Corpse Is Another’s Breakfast
Lisa Winter | Aug 31, 2022 | 2 min read
Though it’s poetic to say that ants were grieving the bee at a funeral, the reality is a bit more prosaic.
Close up of ant mandible
Science Snapshot: The Need for Speed
Viviane Callier | Aug 4, 2022 | 1 min read
Understanding the biomechanics of the trap-jaw ant could help humans build better, faster robots.
red ants coming out of dirt hole
Bull Ant Venom Evolved to Make Bites More Painful to Mammals
Dan Robitzski | Jul 5, 2022 | 2 min read
A peptide found in bull ant venom closely resembles a hormone of its primary predator, triggering hypersensitivity and making subsequent bites even more painful than the ones that came before.
A section of a mouse distal colon showing luminal contents with bacteria in magenta, the mucus lining (green) and the epithelial cell barrier of the gut (blue, right).
Mapping the Neighborhoods of the Gut Microbiome
Abby Olena, PhD | Jul 1, 2022 | 7 min read
Researchers are going beyond fecal samples to understand how the patterns of commensal microbes in the gastrointestinal tract influence development and health.
Photograph of a hummingbird
Even the Tiniest of Birds Use Smell in Some Situations
Jef Akst | Jan 4, 2022 | 4 min read
Once considered anosmic, birds are now widely recognized as using olfactory cues to aid in a wide range of behaviors.
man sitting outdoors
E.O. Wilson, Renowned Ant Researcher, Dies at 92
Chloe Tenn | Dec 27, 2021 | 3 min read
The naturalist was recognized for his work on social behavior and pheromones in ants and as a champion of wildlife conservation.
A black and brown ant stands over various sizes of whitish purple, oval shaped larvae and yellow, oblong eggs
A Single Transcription Factor Changes Ants to Queens
Abby Olena, PhD | Nov 5, 2021 | 3 min read
The transcription factor can also drive the opposite transition depending on which hormone activates it, according to a new study.
Image of the Day: Turtle Ant Soldiers
Amy Schleunes | Mar 12, 2020 | 1 min read
Big heads come in handy when the social insects are tasked with defending their nest.
Ants Produce Antibiotics that May Protect Plants
Emily Makowski | Mar 1, 2020 | 2 min read
The antimicrobial compounds ants excrete to defend themselves from pathogens may protect plants as well.
ants symbiotic plants
Image of the Day: Farming Ants
Amy Schleunes | Jan 22, 2020 | 2 min read
Evolution imbued ants with an agriculture strategy that optimizes food rewards.
Image of the Day: Reprogrammed Ants
Emily Makowski | Nov 13, 2019 | 2 min read
Watch soldier ants behave more like foragers after scientists change their gene expression.
Image of the Day: Floating Metal
Emily Makowski | Nov 11, 2019 | 1 min read
Buoyancy techniques used by spiders and ants inspire the development of floating aluminum discs.
How Evolution Made the Highveld Mole Rat Impervious to Ant Stings
Shawna Williams | Sep 1, 2019 | 5 min read
Researchers identify changes to a pain receptor and to an ion channel that appear to enable the rodents to colonize otherwise inhospitable burrows.
ADVERTISEMENT