Scientists Learn How Bumblebees Solve Complex 'Traveling Salesman Problem' So Effortlessly

Meera Dolasia
Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:27:49 -0700

Scientists have always known that in order to forage for nectar as efficiently as they do, the tiny bumblebee had figured out the perfect solution to what is commonly referred to as 'The Traveling Salesman Problem' - that is figuring out the shortest routes from flower to hive. While this may sound simple it is actually a complex mathematical problem given that there are hundreds of different routes - One that takes even humans, seek out the help of computers to solve!