All Thomas Schmitt articles
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NewsAnts signal deadly infection in altruistic self-sacrifice
Researchers have discovered that terminally ill ant brood, like infected cells, release an odor signaling their impending death and the risk they pose. This sophisticated early warning system facilitates rapid detection and removal of pathogenic infections.
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NewsAnts recognize infected wounds and treat them with antibiotics
Matabele ants have developed a sophisticated healthcare system: they can distinguish between non-infected and infected wounds and treat the latter efficiently with antibiotics they produce themselves.
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NewsSneaky pathogenic fungi hide from ants by dialling down their natural signals
Scientists have revealed that pathogenic fungi reduce their chemical detection signals to outplay social immunity among their social ant hosts.