TimeFlipper
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An African ant seems to be the only known species besides humans that can diagnose infected wounds and treat them with antimicrobial medicine!!..Matabele Ants, (Megaponera Analis) are relatively large insects found in sub-Saharan Africa that raid termite nests for food...This is risky because termite nests are defended by soldier termites that can bite the ants tearing off their limbs in up to a fifth of encounters!!..
After the encounters, injured ants are carried by their comrades back to their home nests where "nurses" lick their wounds clean...The "nurses" could even tell if the wounds are infected and treat them them with an antimicrobial substance produced in glands in their backs...A chemical analysis of the substance revealed it contained organic compounds and antifungals, which prevents a bacterium that commonly infects ant`s wounds!!..
Researchers discovered 90% of ants survived after treatment and also that the "nurses" can detect a wound`s infection status...Also discovered were ants with infected wounds might be able to communicate their infection status to other ants, so they can receive the appropriate treatment...
Those ants reminded me of ourselves, going to war for food then looking after their injured soldiers so they can get better and rejoin the armies again...Perhaps the ants hold the secret for regrowing arms and legs, it certainly wouldnt surprise me if they did!!..Thanks to New Scientist for the info.
After the encounters, injured ants are carried by their comrades back to their home nests where "nurses" lick their wounds clean...The "nurses" could even tell if the wounds are infected and treat them them with an antimicrobial substance produced in glands in their backs...A chemical analysis of the substance revealed it contained organic compounds and antifungals, which prevents a bacterium that commonly infects ant`s wounds!!..
Researchers discovered 90% of ants survived after treatment and also that the "nurses" can detect a wound`s infection status...Also discovered were ants with infected wounds might be able to communicate their infection status to other ants, so they can receive the appropriate treatment...
Those ants reminded me of ourselves, going to war for food then looking after their injured soldiers so they can get better and rejoin the armies again...Perhaps the ants hold the secret for regrowing arms and legs, it certainly wouldnt surprise me if they did!!..Thanks to New Scientist for the info.
