Add this to the ever-growing list of reasons ants are incredible

This video from The New York Times on the cathartic offireantsis perfectly captivating . Who knew large numbers of ants could ooze , sludge - like , from a funnel , or spring back , rubber - like , when subjected to compressive forces ?

https://gizmodo.com/macrophotographs-of-ant-warfare-are-downright-epic-936696588

https://gizmodo.com/10-frightening-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-ants-5880539

Via the NYT :

These images illustrate the findings of the more proficient research , done with rheometer to mensurate the precise viscousness and elasticity of balls of pismire under stress . The researchers found that in different situations the ants comport differently .

To flow , they moved around , rearranging themselves in the chemical group , act like a thick fluid . When the collection struggled to keep its shape , the ants clung to each other , move like an elastic firm — rubber for example .

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The research could have virtual implications , [ say Georgia Institute of Technology Researcher David Hu ] , for ego - assembling automaton , which build themselves out of small bit and for self - healing material .

idle stuff . show more about the physics of fire ants at The New York Times .

PhysicsRheology

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