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Ants picky over choice of home
ant
Some ants are so picky that even the equivalent of a mansion will not do.

Ants have different 'standards', study reveals

Ants have different 'standards' when it comes to finding a new home, according to research by the University of Bristol.

The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, found that while some ants are happy to slum it out in anything with a roof, others are so picky that even the equivalent of a mansion will not do.

Scientists know that ants use a 'quorum' to make decisions. This is where a certain number of ants 'vote' for any one option before the colony as a whole makes a choice. However, what is not known is how the opinions of individual ants affect this.

Now, using mathematical modelling, researchers from Bristol's Schools of Engineering Mathematics and Biological Sciences have demonstrated that the answer may lie in the varying 'pickiness' of ants in a colony.

Their modelling revealed this distribution of individual 'standards' across the colony makes for a robust, but effective, method of nest choice.

When this was simulated, the results were strikingly similar to the behaviour of real ants. This suggests that, in insects often known for their uniformity, individuality may hold the key to their success.

 

 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.