The bees had to roll the ball under a blue "flower," then stand atop the moved object to access a sweet treat. Mikko Törmänen / University of Oulu Some bumblebees can spontaneously solve problems, a ...

For new discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines, follow NPR's ShortWave podcast . Over a century ago, the German psychologist Wolfgang Köhler conducted what became a ...

Bumblebees faced with a challenge know how to play ball. Buff-tailed bumblebees can figure out on their own how to use a ball as a ladder to nab sugar from an out-of-reach fake flower, researchers ...

Despite having tiny brains, bumblebees have demonstrated a remarkable ability to socially learn how to use tools, solve simple puzzles, and cooperate to achieve a goal. It seems they can also solve ...

German psychologist Wolfgang Köhler set up a famous experiment more than 100 years ago that changed how scientists understand animal intelligence and the power of insight — or spontaneous ...

A new study shows that bumble bees can position a ball underneath a fake “flower” to reach a reward, suggesting that they might have the cognitive flexibility necessary to solve complex problems.