SOURCE-LINKED INTELLIGENCE

Smart Nests: Adaptive Architecture in Ant Societies

CORDIS · observation · Publication date unknown

supply location. We will then house colonies in artificial copies of these nests to test whether these architectural changes result in fitness benefits. Additionally, we will use individual tracking, deep learning methods for behavioural classification and agent-based modelling to uncover the individual-level mechanisms underlying architectural plasticity. Second, we will develop new methods for the real-time tracking of individuals, resources and pathogens within 3D nests and for manipulating movement within 2D nests, providing the first experimental insights into the costs and benefits of architectural interventions for disease control (WP2). Third, we will develop a new non-destructive method to map underground nests in the field, using Ground Penetrating Radar (WP3). This research will deepen understanding of how architecture influences collective resilience, with potential broad implications for biomimetic design, urban planning, and strategies to mitigate major challenges like infectious diseases in human and other biological systems. Collective behaviour, social insects, soci

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recordType

award

status

SIGNED

region

EU

value

2930520

unit

EUR