Ants capture carbon dioxide from the air and turn it into armour
New Scientist
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Fungus-farming ants have evolved an extraordinary ability to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and convert it into a protective mineral armor, offering insights into innovative solutions for combating climate change. These ants, specifically *Acromyrmex echinatior* and *Sericomyrmex amabilis*, face high CO2 levels within their nests due to the dense populations of ants and fungi they cultivate. In response, these ants have developed a remarkable biological mechanism: they incorporate carbonate minerals into their exoskeletons, effectively neutralizing toxic CO2 buildup while strengthening their physical defenses.
The process involves a symbiotic relationship with bacteria, particularly in the case of *Acromyrmex echinatior*, which transforms CO2 into dolomite, a calcium-magnesium carbonate mineral. This feat is especially notable because dolomite is notoriously challenging to produce in laboratory settings due to its complex crystal structure. Researchers have discovered that *Sericomyrmex amabilis* can achieve the same transformation without relying on symbiotic bacteria, making it the first known animal capable of this extraordinary ability.
The ants' ability to create dolomite is significant for several reasons. Not only does it help regulate CO2 levels within their nests, but it also provides a natural model for carbon sequestration—a process humans are increasingly exploring as a means to combat global warming. By understanding how these ants effortlessly produce dolomite at room temperature, scientists could develop more efficient and sustainable methods for capturing and storing atmospheric CO2.
This discovery highlights the potential for nature-inspired solutions to pressing environmental challenges. The ants' dual-purpose adaptation—both regulating their environment and enhancing their physical defenses—demonstrates the ingenuity of evolutionary processes. As researchers delve deeper into this phenomenon, they hope to uncover the mechanisms behind the ants' mineral-forming abilities
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Originally published on New Scientist on 3/2/2026