Ants' reaction to social isolation is similar to that of humans.

A study conducted by an Israeli-German research team revealed changes in social and

hygienic behavior of ants that wereisolated from their group. Scientists were surprised by the fact that immunity and stress genes were suppressed in the brains of the isolated ants. In other words, the genes were less active. “This makes the immune system less effective. The same phenomenon can also be observed in the social isolation of people – especially now during the COVID-19 crisis,” explains Professor Susanne Fojcik, who led the study at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU).

For humans and other social mammalsisolation from their group is perceived as stress, having a negative impact on their overall well-being and physical health. “Isolated people become lonely, depressed and anxious, they develop addictions more easily, they suffer from a weakened immune system and a general deterioration in health,” explains Professor Inon Scharf, lead author of the study.

Drawing of a worker ant Temnothorax nylanderi Photo: ill./ ©: Inon Scharf, Tel Aviv University

The effects of isolation have been widely studied in social settings.mammals such as humans and mice. However, scientists have much less information about how social insects react in comparable situations. Ants, for example, live their entire lives as members of a single colony and depend on their fellow colonies. Isolation has had a detrimental effect on them.

Recall that at an early stage, the symptoms of COVID-19 are verysimilar to SARS: fever, sore throat, cough, headache, weakness. Therefore, it is important to stay at home and, if possible, eliminate or minimize contact with family members before receiving coronavirus test results. Infected patients (including children) are required to adhere to a 14-day self-isolation regimen, even if they do not have manifestations of the disease.

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