Humans and bees share genetic commonalities tied to social behavior, according to a new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in findings that suggest the foundations of social connection transcend species. While bees are often seen as inherently social creatures, they display a range of sociability, much like humans. Understanding the Bee BrainFor the study, researchers barcoded and tracked adult honeybees from three colonies by affixing barcodes to their bodies. By tracing these roots further, scientists may gain deeper insight into how genetic factors shape the way humans interact and connect. The paper, “Genetic Variation Influences Food-Sharing Sociability in Honey Bees,” appeared in PLOS Biology on September 16, 2025.