logo
Scientists gave ants caffeine—what happened next would blow your mind

Scientists gave ants caffeine—what happened next would blow your mind

Time of India18-05-2025
Ants might be tiny, but they cause big problems. These little insects are smart, quick, and super organized. They travel across the world hidden in cargo ships, build huge colonies, and push out local bugs and animals.
They're not just in your kitchen—they're everywhere.
One of the worst offenders is the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile). It's only about one-tenth of an inch long, but it builds massive colonies that stretch for thousands of miles, especially along the U.S. and Mediterranean coasts.
These ants can:
Push out native insects
Rob hummingbird feeders
Even cause electrical problems by crawling into wires
People often try to get rid of them using poison baits.
But the problem is: the ants lose interest in the bait too quickly. They don't take enough of it back to the colony to kill the others.
So scientists asked a weird but clever question: What if we gave ants a little bit of caffeine? Could it help them remember where the bait is? The study, published in the journal iScience, says yes, caffeine can help—but only in small amounts.
How the experiment worked
The scientists built a tiny 'ant course' using Legos and a plastic platform.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals
ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan
Get Quote
Undo
Each ant walked across the platform to find a drop of sugar water. Some sugar drops had no caffeine, while others had low, medium, or very high levels of caffeine.
They watched 142 ants, and each one did the course four times.
Without caffeine, the ants walked around slowly and didn't improve.
With a small or medium dose of caffeine, the ants remembered where the sugar was. They walked straighter and found it faster each time.
'We found that intermediate doses of caffeine actually boost learning – when you give them a bit of caffeine, it pushes them into having straighter paths and being able to reach the reward faster,' Galante said.
Here's what they found:
At 25 parts per million (ppm) of caffeine, ants got 28% faster on return trips.
At 250 ppm, they got 38% faster.
For example, if an ant took 300 seconds to find the sugar the first time, it could take only 54 seconds by the fourth time if given the right amount of caffeine!
But they didn't walk faster—just more directly.
That means they were focused and remembered the way. 'They're not moving faster, they're just being more focused on where they're going,' Galante explained.
What about too much caffeine?
At the highest dose (2,000 ppm), the ants didn't improve at all. In fact, it might even be dangerous to helpful bugs like bees.
So the key is using just the right amount—not too much, not too little.
'The lowest dose we used is what you find in natural plants, the intermediate dose is similar to what you would find in some energy drinks, and the highest amount is set to be the LD50 of bees, where half the bees fed this dose die,' Galante said.
Ants use chemical trails to lead their nest-mates to food. When one ant finds bait and remembers the way quickly, it lays a stronger trail, and more ants follow. The team is already testing caffeinated bait in Spain. They also plan to see how it works with regular poisons like spinosad and hydramethylnon.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

No workout. How Vidya Balan lost lot of weight only through diet
No workout. How Vidya Balan lost lot of weight only through diet

Time of India

time6 hours ago

  • Time of India

No workout. How Vidya Balan lost lot of weight only through diet

Vidya Balan, the actress, changed her health approach. She focused on reducing inflammation instead of strict diets. She consulted nutritionists in Chennai. They identified incompatible vegetables in her diet. She stopped gym workouts. This improved her well-being. She encourages listening to individual body needs. Anti-inflammatory diets like Mediterranean and DASH are discussed. These diets focus on whole foods. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A Lifelong Struggle with Weight The Hidden Culprits on Her Plate Abandoning the Gym to Find Balance Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Understanding the Anti-Inflammatory Diet Types of Anti-Inflammatory Diets Plenty of fruits and vegetables Whole grains such as brown rice and oats Legumes like lentils and beans Nuts and seeds Olive oil as the main source of fat Fatty fish such as salmon and sardines Limited consumption of processed foods and red meat Plant-Based Approaches and Their Impact Listening to the Body: The Core Message Vidya Balan, known for her power-packed roles and magnetic screen presence, returned to the silver screen with the horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 last year. But along with her acting resurgence, she also garnered attention for her notably slimmer appearance. In a conversation with Galatta India, the acclaimed Kahaani actress shared that her transformation had little to do with intense workouts or fad diets. Instead, it stemmed from a more mindful, sustainable approach to health—one that targeted chronic inflammation rather than chasing rapid weight revealed that staying lean had always been an uphill battle for her. Despite adhering to strict diets and grueling fitness routines, the weight she lost would often return. Like many others, she believed the solution lay in burning more calories and eating less. However, her experience took a surprising turn earlier this year when she consulted a nutritional group based in Chennai. After a detailed evaluation, the experts informed her that the issue wasn't necessarily fat—but inflammation. This revelation led her to adopt what they called an 'elimination diet,' a regime focused on identifying and removing foods that triggered inflammation in her who has been a vegetarian all her life, was astonished to learn that common vegetables like spinach (palak) and bottle gourd (doodhi), which she consumed regularly, were not compatible with her system. This contradicted the widely held belief that all vegetables are universally beneficial. She emphasized that what works for one person might not work for another. Her new dietary plan eliminated such ingredients, and the result was a noticeable drop in weight—without the struggle and frustration that had marked her earlier surprising aspect of Vidya's journey was her decision to completely stop working out. After years of intense gym sessions where she pushed herself relentlessly, the nutritionists advised her to take a break from physical training altogether. Following their guidance, she embraced this new path and, for the first time, went an entire year without stepping into a gym. Contrary to conventional wisdom, this approach made her feel healthier and more at peace than shared that she often faced public scrutiny and harsh commentary about her body, especially early in her career. This constant judgment took a toll on her self-worth, making her equate her appearance with her value. Today, she's found freedom in letting go of that pressure and understanding that every person's health journey is unique. She clarified that she wasn't advising people to avoid exercise altogether, but rather encouraging them to listen to their bodies and respect their individual transformation shone a spotlight on a lesser-discussed approach to health—the anti-inflammatory diet. According to medical experts at WebMD, this dietary model focuses on increasing the intake of foods that naturally reduce inflammation while avoiding those that exacerbate it. Chronic inflammation is associated with numerous health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. An anti-inflammatory eating plan can potentially alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being, but it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary well-known dietary patterns fall under the anti-inflammatory umbrella. One of the most prominent is the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods. This diet includes:Foods that are discouraged in this plan include added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats found in highly processed meats and tropical oils like palm and coconut DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet shares similarities with the Mediterranean diet but adds more focus on limiting sodium intake. It also includes more low-fat dairy products to help manage blood pressure MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet is a blend of the two, specifically designed to support brain health and potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia. Key components include whole grains, leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, fish, and olive oil, while limiting pastries, butter, red meat, and fried eating patterns like vegetarian and vegan diets also align with anti-inflammatory principles. These diets avoid animal products—fully in the case of veganism—and center on whole plant foods. Studies suggest that when properly balanced and free from processed substitutes, plant-based diets can lower inflammation markers and contribute to improved health Balan's transformation stands as a powerful example of how healing and wellness are not always about strict routines or appearance-driven goals. Her story underscores the importance of understanding one's body, identifying what works individually, and stepping away from rigid societal expectations. As she discovered through her own experience, real change comes not from punishment, but from tuning in, nourishing wisely, and choosing self-respect over external validation.

6 simple habits that can help prevent fat buildup in your liver
6 simple habits that can help prevent fat buildup in your liver

Time of India

time17 hours ago

  • Time of India

6 simple habits that can help prevent fat buildup in your liver

Fatty liver – whether alcoholic or non‑alcoholic – is a growing health concern globally, especially Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which is an increasing health issue impacting approximately 30.2% of the global population. The prevalence differs by region, with figures exceeding 40% in both the Americas and Southeast Asia. What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)? Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disorder characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver, unrelated to significant alcohol intake. It is frequently associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD includes a range of conditions, from simple fat accumulation (NAFL) to more severe inflammation and fibrosis (NASH). Often referred to as the "silent epidemic," NAFLD typically shows no symptoms during its initial stages. But the good news? Small lifestyle tweaks can make a big difference. In this article, let's explore 6 simple, research-backed habits that help prevent fat from accumulating in your liver – boosting energy, improving metabolic health, and protecting you from potential complications like inflammation, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Whether you're early in life or mid-career, these approachable habits can integrate into your routine – and significantly improve both liver health and overall wellness. Eat a balanced, whole‑food diet A diet rich in whole foods – vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil – is foundational for preventing fatty liver. Harvard-backed study and clinical trials show that Mediterranean-style diets reduce liver fat significantly – up to twice as much compared to standard healthy eating. Why it matters: Consuming whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins supports liver function by reducing inflammation and fat storage. In contrast, processed foods rich in added sugars, and saturated and trans fats promote insulin resistance – driving fat into the liver. Key strategies: Cut added sugars and refined carbs like sodas, white bread, and pastries. These spike insulin and encourage hepatic fat deposition. Prioritize healthy fats: Choose olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish – which support lipid metabolism and reduce inflammation. Follow a Mediterranean-style pattern: Plenty of plant-based foods, whole grains, olive oil, and moderate lean protein lowers liver fat and metabolic risk. Stay active: Aerobic + resistance training Physical activity is a cornerstone of liver health – even without major weight loss. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming) plus two sessions of resistance exercises. Both forms lower liver fat, enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce visceral fat. Why it matters: Physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity, helps burn fat, and decreases hepatic fat – even without major weight loss. Recommendations: Aim for ≥150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week (brisk walking, cycling, swimming) with 2 resistance sessions. Even light, consistent movement – like walking after meals or taking stairs – yields benefit. Drink generous water and liver‑friendly beverages (Cut added sugars, especially fructose) High intake of added sugars – particularly high-fructose corn syrup – directly increases liver fat, independent of total calories. Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages (juice, soda, energy drinks), and read labels for hidden sugars like dextrose and agave. Opt for stevia or allulose when you need sweetness, but real, unprocessed whole fruits remain a better, fiber-rich alternative. On the other hand, hydration supports liver detoxification and overall metabolism. Why it matters: Adequate hydration enhances liver detoxification and metabolic functions. Certain drinks like coffee, green tea, and beetroot juice offer antioxidants and support liver health. Pro tips: Hydrate well: Adults need ~2.7–3.7 liters/day – including foods – enhancing toxin removal and cellular regeneration. Green tea: Rich in catechins (EGCG), it decreases fat accumulation and supports lipid metabolism. Black coffee: Antioxidants like chlorogenic acid have been shown to reduce liver fibrosis risk and protect against NAFLD – with 2–4 cups daily associated with slower disease progression. Beetroot juice: Nitrates and betalains help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation—drink occasionally to boost detox pathways. Lemon water and other teas: Flavonoid-rich drinks support antioxidant activity and gentle detox when replacing sugary options. Prioritize quality sleep and stress management Why it matters: Poor sleep (under 7 hours/night) and chronic stress elevate cortisol, which promotes insulin resistance and fat storage in the liver. Regular sleep patterns, wind-down routines, and stress-relief practices like meditation or yoga can help blunt metabolic stress and liver fat buildup. Habits to embrace: Sleep 7–9 hours nightly: Use bedtime routines, limit caffeine, and wind down electronics to support metabolic regulation. Use relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or journaling lower cortisol and reduce fatty infiltration risk. Limit alcohol and avoid smoking Why it matters: Alcohol – even moderate intake – can worsen fat accumulation and liver inflammation. Experts recommend avoiding alcohol entirely if you're at risk for MASLD. Smoking accelerates liver scarring – if you smoke, quitting is one of the most powerful steps you can take. Guidelines: Stick to moderate alcohol intake: ≤1 drink/day for women, ≤2 for men – or ideally avoid if at risk. Quit smoking, or reduce exposure – it compounds liver injury risk. Monitor health metrics regularly Why it matters: Fatty liver often begins silently; it is often asymptomatic in early stages, but proactive screening enables early detection and reversal. Actionable steps: Track weight, waist circumference, and BMI: Losing 5–10% of body weight reduces liver fat; even 7–10% can reverse inflammation and fibrosis. Check blood markers: Liver enzymes, glucose, lipids – abnormal results prompt dietary or therapeutic intervention. Use imaging when recommended: Ultrasound, FibroScan, or MRI to detect early steatosis before irreversible damage. Manage comorbidities: Keep diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol in check to ease liver burden. The final word: Wellness starts at home and with baby steps. These six habits – clean eating, regular exercise, proper hydration and beneficial beverages, sleep and stress care, limiting alcohol/smoking, and routine health monitoring – create a powerful defense against fat build‑up in the liver. Supported by robust science from global health bodies and medical experts, they combine to reduce inflammation, improve insulin response, and protect against long-term harm. Start by integrating just one change per week, build momentum, and watch your liver health and metabolic resilience flourish. 6 yoga poses to burn fat faster

‘Mind' diet is good for cognitive health – here's what foods you should put on your plate
‘Mind' diet is good for cognitive health – here's what foods you should put on your plate

The Hindu

timea day ago

  • The Hindu

‘Mind' diet is good for cognitive health – here's what foods you should put on your plate

There's long been evidence that what we eat can affect our risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline as we age. But can any one diet actually keep the brain strong and lower dementia risk? Evidence suggests the so-called 'Mind diet' might. The Mind diet (which stands for the Mediterranean-Dash intervention for neurocognitive delay) combines the well-established Mediterranean diet with the 'Dash' diet (dietary approaches to stop hypertension). However, it also includes some specific dietary modifications based on their benefits to cognitive health. Both the Mediterranean diet and Dash diet are based on traditional eating patterns from countries which border the Mediterranean sea. Both emphasise eating plenty of plant-based foods (such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds), low-fat dairy products (such as milk and yoghurts) and lean proteins including fish and chicken. Both diets include very little red and processed meats. The Dash diet, however, places greater emphasis on consuming low-sodium foods, less added sugar and fewer saturated and trans-fats to reduce blood pressure. Both diets are well-researched and shown to be effective in preventing lifestyle-related diseases – including cardiovascular disease and hypertension. They're also shown to help protect the brain's neurons from damage and benefit cognitive health. The Mind diet follows many of the core tenets of both diets but places greater emphasis on consuming more foods that contain nutrients which promote brain health and prevent cognitive decline, including: flavonoids and polyphenols found in fruit, vegetables, tea and dark chocolate folate found in leafy greens and legumes N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids found in oily fish, nuts and seeds. Numerous studies have been conducted on the Mind diet, and the evidence for this dietary approach's brain health benefit is pretty convincing. For instance, one study asked 906 older adults about their usual diet — giving them a 'Mind score' based on the number of foods and nutrients they regularly consumed that are linked with lower dementia risk. The researchers found a link between people who had a higher Mind diet score and slower cognitive decline when followed up almost five years later. Another study of 581 participants found that people who had closely followed either the Mind diet or the Mediterranean diet for at least a decade had fewer signs of amyloid plaques in their brain when examined post-mortem. Amyloid plaques are a key hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Higher intake of leafy greens appeared to the most important dietary component. A systematic review of 13 studies on the Mind diet has also found a positive association between adherence to the Mind diet and cognitive performance and function in older people. One paper included in the review even demonstrated a 53% reduction in Alzheimer's disease risk in those that adhered to the diet. It's important to note that most of this research is based on observational studies and food frequency questionnaires, which have their limitations in research due to reliabiltiy and participant bias. Only one randomised control trial was included in the review. It found that women who were randomly assigned to follow the Mind diet over a control diet for a short period of time showed a slight improvement in memory and attention. Research in this field is ongoing, so hopefully we'll soon have a better understanding of the diet's benefits – and know exactly why it's so beneficial. Mind your diet UK public health guidance recommends people follow a balanced diet to maintain good overall health. But the Mind diet offers a more targeted approach for those hoping to look after their cognitive health. While public health guidance encourages people to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, the Mind diet would recommend choosing leafy green vegetables (such as spinach and kale) and berries for their cognitive benefits. Similarly, while UK guidance says to choose unsaturated fats over saturated ones, the Mind diet explicitly recommends that these fats come from olive oil. This is due to the potential neuroprotective effects of the fats found in olive oil. If you want to protect your cognitive function as you age, here are some other small, simple swaps you can make each day to more closely follow the Mind diet: upgrade your meals by sprinkling nuts and seeds on cereals, salads or yoghurts to increase fibre and healthy fats eat the rainbow of fruit and vegetables, aiming to fill half your plate with these foods canned and frozen foods are just as nutrient-rich as fresh fruits and vegetables bake or airfry vegetables and meats instead of frying to reduce fat intake opt for poly-unsaturated fats and oils in salads and dressings – such as olive oil bulk out meat or meat alternatives with pulses, legumes chickpeas or can easily be added into dishes such as spaghetti bolognese, chilli, shepherd's pie or curry use tinned salmon, mackerel or sardines in salads or as protein sources for meal planning These small changes can have a meaningful impact on your overall health – including your brain's health. With growing evidence linking diet to cognitive function, even little changes to your eating habits may help protect your mind as you age. Aisling Pigot is a lecturer, Dietetics, Cardiff Metropolitan University. Sophie Davies is a lecturer in Nutrition & Dietetics, Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University (This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here )

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store