Scent of power: Queen naked mole-rat controls colony fertility with pheromones

In a discovery reminiscent of science fiction, researchers have unveiled the intricate social dynamics of the East African naked mole-rat, revealing how the dominant female controls her colony through scent. These subterranean rodents live in complex societies of up to 300 individuals, mirroring the social structures of insects.

The species, Heterocephalus glaber, exhibits a unique social system among mammals, where only a dominant female and a few males reproduce, while the rest serve as workers. Beyond their social behavior, naked mole-rats possess remarkable biological traits: they are cold-blooded like reptiles, can survive on minimal oxygen, have a high pain tolerance, and are highly resistant to cancer.

Scientists long suspected that the queen's control over the colony was mediated by pheromones, similar to bees, ants, and wasps. A recent study published in Nature confirms this hypothesis. Using mass spectrometry, researchers identified a specific scent compound, isopropyl myristate, emitted exclusively by the queen. This common cosmetic ingredient, undetectable by humans, profoundly affects the naked mole-rats, rendering all other females infertile and diminishing their sexual interest.

Fascinatingly, the effect of isopropyl myristate persists even in the queen's absence, suppressing other females' reproductive drive. Experiments indicate that the substance regulates hormone levels crucial for reproduction. Should the queen die or disappear, the colony's dynamics shift dramatically. Aggression and sexual drive escalate, leading to intense power struggles until a new female assumes the role of queen, re-establishing control through her unique scent.