News Animals

Naked mole-rat queens rule their colonies with a potent odor

The chemical signal suppresses fertility across the colony — until the queen stops making it

A photo of a naked mole-rat held in hand.

Naked mole-rats live in highly cooperative societies, but they can be vicious fighters. Scientists recently discovered how naked mole-rat queens keep the peace. 

John Brighenti/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

By Libby Riddle

Imagine a superhero whose power is releasing an odor so strong their enemies stop fighting. For naked mole-rats, such power lies with the queen.