>> To make the comparison as meaningful as possible, groups of humans were in some cases instructed to avoid communicating through speaking or gestures, even wearing surgical masks and sunglasses to conceal their mouths and eyes. In addition, human participants were told to hold the load only by the handles that simulated the way in which it is held by ants. The handles contained meters that measured the pulling force applied by each person throughout the attempt.
The scientists proved that humans who can't communicate or use their limbs effectively, can't cooperate effectively.
Cool video, but I didn't understand the argument about emergent memory. I got confused where they said the "coupling" between the object's direction and a large group of ants.. constitutes a working memory?
They appeal to something called "ordered state" without explaining what it is, and otherwise talk in circles: "The high persistence of large groups translates into short-term collective memory."
They could still be right, but I wish scientists were taught to write clearly and succinctly!