Worm seeks worm: Chemical cues drive aggregation in nematodes
Thursday, January 12, 2012 - 12:31
in Biology & Nature
Scientists have long seen evidence of social behavior among many species of animals. Dolphins frolic together and lions live in packs. And, right under our feet, it appears that nematodes are having their own little gatherings in the soil. Until recently, it was unknown how the worms communicate to one another when it's time to come together. Now, researchers have identified, for the first time, the chemical signals that promote aggregation.