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Bee Study Links Genetics to Human Sociability Traits

9/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the University of Illinois identified genetic variants in honey bees that relate to social behavior, linking them to human sociability.
The study in PLOS Biology indicates that sociability has ancient roots across species.
Genetic, mood, and experiential factors influence individual honey bee sociability.
Genome sequencing of 357 bees revealed 18 variants associated with food-sharing behavior.
Key genes neuroligin-2 and nmdar2 resemble autism-related genes in humans.

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Story summary

Researchers at the University of Illinois identified genetic variants in honey bees that relate to social behavior, linking them to human sociability.
The study in PLOS Biology indicates that sociability has ancient roots across species.
Genetic, mood, and experiential factors influence individual honey bee sociability.
Genome sequencing of 357 bees revealed 18 variants associated with food-sharing behavior.
Key genes neuroligin-2 and nmdar2 resemble autism-related genes in humans.