Scientists Discover Gut Bacteria That Improve Memory in Bees
Published:30 Nov.2021 Source:Queen Mary University of London
An international research team have discovered a specific type of gut bacteria in bees that can improve memory. The study, led by scientists from Jiangnan University, China in collaboration with researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the University of Oulu, Finland, have shown that a species of gut bacteria, known as Lactobacillus apis, is linked to enhanced memory in bumblebees.
The researchers show that bumblebees with more of this type of bacteria in their guts have a better memory than individuals with fewer bacteria. Bumblebees that ate food containing more of this species of gut bacteria were also found to have more long-lasting memories than individuals with normal diets.