Scientists hope queen bees can give clue to secret of longer life

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

- Ian Sample

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.

Now, researchers are preparing to delve into apian biology in the hope that understanding what makes queen bees thrive will unlock radical therapies to extend human lifespans and extend our fertile years.