Cosmetic chemical IPM helps naked mole-rat queen suppress rivals and delay succession
Nature researchers identify isopropyl myristate (IPM), a chemical used in skincare, as a queen-enriched signal in naked mole-rats that raises prolactin and suppresses fertility in non-breeders, delaying queen succession. Experiments show IPM exposure or continuing queen odor halt pregnancies and maintain colony stability even after removing the queen, though the study covers a single captive colony and replication is needed to confirm universality.
