Why studying bees can teach us about human loneliness | Sarah Kocher | TEDxNewEngland

Core Argument - Understanding the mechanisms underlying social behavior is crucial, as social interactions are tightly linked to individual success across species [2][4] - Current model systems are limited in capturing the full range of behavioral variation, hindering the identification of essential ingredients for social behaviors [11] - Comparing and contrasting diverse species, like social and solitary bees, can reveal "same differences" that highlight unique features of social organisms [20][21] Research Approach - The research uses an evolutionary biology approach to understand the mechanisms shaping the social brain by comparing social and solitary species [6][21] - The study involves identifying genes shaped by natural selection in social species and examining hormone levels in their brains [22][23] - The research also explores how social experiences and environmental factors interact with genes to influence social behavior [28][29] Key Findings & Implications - Certain genes associated with hormone binding and transport are linked to social behavior variations in bees and may have connections to human social disorders like autism [23][26] - Social experiences, such as early-life isolation, can significantly impact social behavior and brain development in various species, including bees and humans [34] - Studying social behavior in bees can provide insights into the fundamental blueprint of the social brain, potentially applicable to a wide range of species, including humans [25][38]