Coked Up Bees

Looks like our tiny wings and bulbous backsides aren't the only things we have in common with bees. A new report in the Journal of Experimental Biology (you know, biology that swings both ways) shows that when bees are hopped up on cocaine, they demonstrate higher levels of altruistic behavior by dancing like it ain't no thang. Sober bees will waggle dance to tell others where food is located. But when out of their minds on blow, this selfless move busting is amped up. By instigating altruistic behavior, scientists can study the biological origins of selflessness, which has been a little tricky to explain through evolution. The working theory today is that providing for others is evolutionary advantageous because it can ultimately lead to increased personal reward, but by examining the chemistry of inebriated bees, we can start to map the biological framework for this theory. Plus, coked up dancing bees are really fun to watch. Until they start to come down, in which case they turn into clingy, annoying burdens that will beg you to borrow, like, five bucks for breakfast. I'm assuming. More details here.