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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Ian Sample Science editor

Scientists hoping to target queen bees in search of secret to longer life

A beekeeper inspects his charges
Scientists believe bees may harbour the secret to longer and healthier lives. Photograph: Carlos Osorio/AP

The curious case of the queen bee has long had scientists pondering whether the head of the hive harbours the secret to a long and healthy life.

While queen bees and workers have nearly identical DNA, the queens enjoy what might be regarded as royal privileges. They are larger, fertile throughout life and survive for years compared with workers, who last a few months at best.

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