Termites' crystal backpacks help them go out with bang
Ageing workers assist soldiers in defending their colony
A species of termite has been found to inflict more damage on its enemies as it ages.
When defending their colony, some termites "explode", releasing chemicals that injure intruders.
A previously unknown crystal structure has been discovered that raises the toxicity of their chemical weapons.
As worker termites grow older, they become less able to perform their duties.
Yet this newly discovered structure allows ageing workers to better defend their colony.
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