A new study: Ants are amazing – they can use antibiotics

The Matabele ants eat only termites, but hunting them is risky because the termite soldiers fight back.

These ants have a smart way of taking care of their injured buddies - they can tell if a wound is infected or not.

Let's find out more about how it works.

Surprising skill

These amazing ants produce their own antibiotics to treat the infected wounds effectively.

Chemical changes in the ants' body help them easily recognize the infection.

These tiny ants apply special antimicrobial compounds and proteins from their metapleural gland straight to the infected wounds.

These unusual antibiotics reduce the mortality rate of infected ants by 90%.

Why it's important

The scientists believe this discovery could have huge implications for our human medicine, as the ants' primary pathogen is also a common cause of infections in people.

Further research is planned to explore wound care in other ant species and find new antibiotics.

Previously, we talked about mental health problems in cats.

• Related news:
• research
• ants
• antibiotics
• garden insects
• wild nature
• 4 January 2024

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