Ants and Antibiotics—Potential Lessons from Nature on Ancient Antibiotic Use

Heidi Horn, research assistant, UW–Madison Department of Bacteriology. Fungus-farming ants have grown fungi—and eaten them—for around 60 million years. These same ants have also used antibiotics for nearly 40 million years. Are there lessons to be learned from these tiny creatures about antibiotic resistance and disease in humans? Fee: $10. Registration by October 18 recommended. Walk-in registrations accepted. See additional lectures October 2, 9, and 30.