Even bumblebees can learn to use tools, scientists show

Nevermind their loud, sleepy buzz, bumblebees are no drones. Scientists have discovered that these nectar-hunting insects actually can learn to use a new tool by watching others. The findings, described in the journal Science, add to a growing body of work showing that these kinds of smarts aren't limited to bigger-brained, vertebrate animals (such as humans). "It is a nice confirmation that this level of cognitive complexity is possible in something as simple as a bee," said James Nieh, a behavioral ecologist at UC San Diego who was not involved in the work. Social insects like bees, ants and termites often get a lot of credit for collectively acting like super-organisms, guided by what some have dubbed "swarm intelligence."