Earlier this year, Smithsonian scientists decoded the pheromones that determine whether bee daughters stay home or leave. It produced surprising clues about how simple insect societies evolve into complex communities

Bee pheromones: New research reveals queen bees use chemical signals to guide daughters. These pheromones influence whether daughters remain home or reproduce independently. Queens producing more signals demonstrate higher reproductive success and egg-laying. This chemical communication helps organize simple insect societies over time.