Ant chemistry
Formic acid produced by ants plus a tree resin, creates an antifungal/antibiotic compound for the ant colony. This was one of my favorite science news stories this year.
The rest of the list from Science is here:
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/12/our-favorite-science-news-stories-2017
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/03/chemist-ants-brew-antibiotic-cocktail-protect-their-colony
Who’s a good boy?
Puppies actually respond to the so-called “puppy/baby” voice.
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/01/what-dogs-hear-when-we-talk-them
Placentophagy and placebo effect
Although the sample size was admittedly small, I’m not surprised at the findings.
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/12/moms-should-you-eat-your-placentas
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/12/moms-should-you-eat-your-placentas