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xpda [soylentnews.org] writes:

Epigenetic drugs can modify the long term behavior of carpenter ants [arstechnica.com]. Like many social insects, carpenter ants come in multiple versions of the same species. Major (larger) carpenter ants are larger ants that perform guarding and defense functions. The minor ants scout around and forage for food. The two ant types share exactly the same genome (and parents), but with very different looks and behaviors. Using epigenetic modifications, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania [sciencemag.org] were able to change the behavior of major ants into that of minor ants. The effect was long-term, lasting up to 50 days [sciencemag.org]. Data suggests that this method might also be used to alter social interactions of vertebrates.

http://arstechnica.com/science/2016/01/slightly-creepy-experiment-with-ants-shows-that-drugs-can-permanently-alter-behavior/ [arstechnica.com]

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