The scent of death? Worms experience altered fertility and lifespan when exposed to dead counterparts

The scent of death? Worms experience altered fertility and lifespan when exposed to dead counterparts

The mere presence of a dead counterpart elicits strong responses across species. For example, many insects such as bees and ants will instinctively remove dead members from the hive, seemingly to keep the nest clear of any potential pathogens. Research from a team at the University of Michigan describes a similar aversion to decedents among the roundworm C. elegans.