Social Isolation in Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Using Gromphadorhina Portentosa (Madagascar Hissing Cockroach) as a model organism, this independent research examines how social isolation affects exploratory behavior (via AI video analysis) and glucose metabolism (via hemolymph glucose levels). A 2x2 randomized design with four treatment groups revealed that social isolation reduced exploratory behavior—with early instars affected more than late instars—and increased glucose levels while causing weight loss in early instars. These findings highlight the behavioral and biological impacts of social isolation, with implications for understanding pandemic-era health disparities.