C. D. Pull

Ant queens cannibalise infected brood to contain disease spread and recycle nutrients

This study shows ant queens eat infected larvae to stop disease spread and reuse nutrients for egg production.

A neural correlate of learning fails to predict foraging efficiency in Bombus terrestris.

This study investigates the relationship between microglomerulus density in bumblebees and foraging efficiency, finding no direct correlation and suggesting a non-linear relationship with age.

No evidence of "social immune memory" in Acorn ants (Temnothoax nylanderi)

This study tests for social immune memory in acorn ants and finds no evidence, suggesting previous positive results may stem from sublethal infections rather than cognitive effects.

Ecology dictates the value of memory for foraging bees

This study shows that short-term memory benefits foraging efficiency in abundant spring conditions but not during summer floral scarcity in bumblebees.

Ants express risk-adjusted sanitary care

This study shows ants adjust their sanitary care based on infection history, reducing risk of heterologous pathogen super-infections.

Destructive Disinfection Of Infected Brood Prevents Systemic Disease Spread In Ant Colonies

The paper demonstrates that ants use destructive disinfection to prevent disease spread by targeting infected pupae and administering antimicrobial poison.