JOY Drive

6 Feb 2025

Dr Scarlett Howard: Bees and ordering numbers

Animals, Natural Sciences

Numbers are all around us, and as humans, we naturally organise them in a particular way, typically from left to right. But did you know we are not the only ones who do this? Research has found that some animals, including birds and bees, also have a mental number line. This challenges the idea that numerical thinking is unique to humans or large-brained animals.

A recent study revealed that bees, despite having tiny brains, tend to order numbers from left to right, just like many humans.

But how do researchers even test something like this in bees? And what does this tell us about how brains, big and small, process information?

Guest: Dr Scarlett Howard, Lecturer. School of Biological Sciences at Monash University

Presenter: Warren Andrew

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:37 — 10.5MB)

Subscribe or Follow Us: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

26 Nov 2025

Nicole Rich: Property Underquoting

Consumer Affairs, Finance, Investing, Law

Underquoting has become a flashpoint for frustrated buyers and confused sellers, especially as some properties continue to sell far above ...

26 Nov 2025

Elliot Attard: Gaming News

Games & Hobbies, Popular Culture, Video Games

From surprise drops to messy patches and the next wave of must-play titles, the gaming world is bursting with updates. ...

26 Nov 2025

Suzy Wrong: TV Series Review – Boots

LGBTIQA+ Community, TV & Film

Suzy Wrong reviews Netflix’s Boots, which dives into big life pivots, belonging, and the fear of being “too late”. Guest: Suzy ...