Nevertheless, the study is still an important step. Jan Born a neuroendocrinologist, at the University of Lübeck in Germany, praises the research, "I think this is a very valuable finding for the whole field—it shows the formation of memories is hampered when bees do not sleep or rest."

Born adds that the finding supports the principle that complex memories need some kind of off-line processing—such as sleep—to form. "The simpler the brain is," Born says, "the easier it will be to find the mechanisms of this consolidation process."

2 Comments

1. 1. dbtinc 09:01 AM 10/26/12

   The world is in flames, religionists of all strips are out of control, poverty is rift and the EU is in tatters - yet, I rest knowing that sleepy bees are just like people, or vice versa. Suggestion to the editorial board - not all your readers have the IQ of a brick. We can use some challenging news - it's ok.

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2. 2. greenhome123 11:00 PM 10/26/12

   Wow, So getting your beauty rest makes you smarter too. Unfortunaetly, many bees will not get the luxury of a good nights sleep tonight because they are going to be killed by pesticide exposure.

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