Primitive signs of emotions spotted in sugar-buzzed bumblebees

After a treat, insects appeared to have rosier outlooks

bumblebee

BUZZED  Bumblebees seem to get a mood boost from sweets, a new study shows. 

Ivar Leidus/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

To human observers, bumblebees sipping nectar from flowers appear cheerful. It turns out that the insects may actually enjoy their work. A new study suggests that bees experience a “happy” buzz after receiving a sugary snack, although it’s probably not the same joy that humans experience chomping on a candy bar.