Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

An ant that selectively amputates the infected limbs of wounded sisters - EurekAlert


Saving lives through surgery is no longer exclusive to humans. In a study publishing July 2 in the journal Current Biology, scientists detail how Florida carpenter ants, a common, brown species native to its namesake, selectively treat the wounded limbs of fellow nestmates—either by wound cleaning or amputation. When experimentally testing the effectiveness of these “treatments,” not only did they aid in recovery, but the research team found the ants’ choice of care catered to the type of injury presented to them.  

None

Get the Android app

Or read this on Eureka Alert

Read more on:

Photo of infected limbs

infected limbs

Photo of wounded sisters

wounded sisters

Photo of EurekAlert

EurekAlert

Related news:

News photo

Understanding the synchronization of physiological states during a live music performance - EurekAlert

News photo

NIH researchers discover a new face-detecting brain circuit - EurekAlert

News photo

Australian bushfire ash is deadly for aquatic life - EurekAlert