The Washington PostThe Washington Post

An ant's sense of smell is so strong, it can sniff out cancer

By Dino Grandoni

25 Jan 2023 · 3 min read

Editor's Note

The Washington Post analyzes how we might one day use the sharp-antennaed insects to detect tumors quickly and cheaply, improving the chances of early detection and, hopefully, survival rates.

The ant oncologist will see you now.

Ants live in a world of odor. Some species are completely blind. Others rely so heavily on scent that ones that lose track of a pheromone trail march in a circle, until dying of exhaustion.

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