While the world watches Olympians skate, jump and fly through the air in Sochi, researchers have turned their eyes to a much tinier but equally impressive athlete: the humble field ant. New research published last month showed that the neck joint of a common field ant can withstand 5,000 times the ant\u2019s weight.<\/p>\n
\nA critical part of the ant\u2019s anatomy is its neck, which has to bear the full weight of loads grasped in its mouth. Soft tissues within the ant\u2019s neck bind with the stiff exoskeleton of its thorax (body) and head in a manner that mimics the interlocking of fingers in folded hands.<\/p>\n
\nNew research finds that ants\u2019 strength lies in their neck joints. (ISNS) \u2013 While the world watches Olympians skate, jump and fly through the air in Sochi, researchers have turned their eyes to a much tinier but equally impressive athlete: the humble field ant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"