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Investigating cocaine addiction using fruit flies

A new study uses a fruit fly model to investigate the genetic basis of cocaine addiction. By genetically modifying bitter-sensing receptors in fruit flies, researchers found that these flies developed a preference for cocaine over sugar. This study suggests that genes involved in human cocaine addiction may also be active in fruit flies.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateJun 2, 2025
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Genomes from 25 museum specimens of Drosophila melanogaster (some more than 200 years old) reveal that small populations occupying northern Europe gave way to well-connected fly populations across the continent

Recent study on Drosophila melanogaster museum specimens shows that Northern European populations gave way to well-connected fly populations across the continent. The analysis also highlights genes that may have helped this species adapt to novel climates, viruses, and insecticides.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 12, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Genes are individualists, not collectivists, during early fruit fly development

A new study published in Current Biology found that active genes do not form clusters and share resources during early fruit fly development. The researchers used high-resolution microscopy to visualize the physical position of active genes within the nucleus, observing that each gene has its own pool of transcriptional machinery.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 5, 2021

The architect of genome folding

Researchers discovered HP1a as an epigenetic regulator that establishes the global structure of the genome in early Drosophila embryos. The study used powerful genetics and 3D genome modeling to show that HP1a is required for proper chromatin organization at multiple hierarchical levels during embryonic development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2021

The architect of genome folding

Researchers discovered that HP1a is required to establish proper chromatin structure at multiple hierarchical levels during early embryonic development. The protein plays a central role in maintaining individual chromosome integrity and establishing the global structure of the genome.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2021

Into more thin air

A study of Peruvian populations reveals genetic adaptations to high altitude living and chronic mountain sickness. The researchers identified 11 regions containing 38 genes that were under positive selection, suggesting a molecular adaptation mechanism that regulates gene expression in response to environmental challenges.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 21, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

UGA researchers find hormone receptor that allows mosquitoes to reproduce

UGA researchers have identified a hormone receptor that plays a key role in regulating female mosquito reproduction, enabling them to produce eggs after consuming blood. The discovery fills a major gap in understanding how mosquitoes reproduce and could potentially lead to strategies for controlling mosquito populations.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2015

Fly genome could help us improve health and our environment

The sequencing of the house fly genome has identified unique detoxification and immune system genes that could aid in understanding human disease susceptibility. By studying these genes, scientists hope to develop treatments or vaccines for diseases transmitted by flies, such as typhoid and trachoma.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateOct 13, 2014

New insights from the modENCODE Project are published in Genome Research

The modENCODE Project has provided new genomic advances on embryonic development, DNA replication, and transcriptional regulation. Researchers compared developmental gene expression between Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, finding conserved gene expression patterns during development, despite significant differences ...

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 1, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

And in the beginning was histone 1

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified a crucial protein called dBigH1 that regulates zygotic genome activation in the fly Drosophila. This discovery has significant implications for understanding embryonic development and potential connections to infertility, gestational disorders, or early miscarriage.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 30, 2013

What's in a genome?

A whole-genome sequence of the fruit fly Drosophila mauritiana has been completed, revealing high genetic diversity across its chromosomes. The researchers identified two large regions with conserved sequences and propose that these may be the result of intragenomic conflict, potentially acting as 'speciation genes'.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalGenome Research·DateDec 17, 2012

Defending the genome

Researchers discovered that when a new transposon is introduced, it triggers a response that disrupts the piRNA machinery, leading to a massive destabilization of the genome. However, as the hybrids aged, they learned to shut down the new transposon and restore fertility.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 22, 2011
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

A 'jumping gene's' preferred targets may influence genome evolution

Researchers have discovered that certain transposon elements can coordinate their movement with DNA replication, allowing them to spread more rapidly through genomes. P elements, one such transposon, tend to insert themselves near the beginning of genes and at regions functioning as starting sites or origins for DNA duplication.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2011

Learning to read the genome

A comprehensive analysis of the Drosophila genome reveals new genes, alternative splicing forms, and complex chromatin organization. The findings provide a foundation for in-depth functional studies and apply to understanding genomes across all organisms.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Genome Research publishes special issue: Genomics and Darwinism

The special issue of Genome Research celebrates Charles Darwin's birthday and the publication of On the Origin of Species. Researchers investigate human adaptation and evolution on a genome-wide scale, describing novel fine-scale genetic structure within and between populations worldwide.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 30, 2009

With genomes, bigger may really be better

Researchers discover that large genomes make it easier to find regions of DNA controlling gene activity. The study used the genomes of flies and other insects to identify regulatory sequences previously difficult to detect in human genomes.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 3, 2009

Genome comparison of 12 fruit fly species

Researchers have completed the genomes of ten new fruit fly species, providing a comprehensive understanding of their evolution over 60 million years. The study also identified 1193 new genes and 414 corrected previously catalogued genes across the twelve closely related species.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2007

Massive project reveals shortcomings of modern genome analysis

The Drosophila 12 Genomes Consortium's massive collaboration has revealed considerable flaws in the way human genome biologists identify genes, showcasing the importance of comparing closely-related species. The study found over 1,193 new protein-coding genes and hundreds of new functional elements across 12 fruit fly genomes.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2007
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Comparative analyses of 12 fly genomes reveals new insights on genome evolution and regulation

The study of 12 Drosophila genomes provides novel insights into microRNA (miRNA) regulation, identifying 59 new miRNAs and revealing greater diversity in their role in gene expression. The analysis also reveals emergent gene function and post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms, with potential applications in human disease research.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 7, 2007

12 fly genomes published

The complete genomes of 12 Drosophila species were published in Nature, revealing genetic differences similar to those between humans and chickens. This research provides a less-biased view of evolutionary processes, enabling a better understanding of the human genome.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2007

Scientists complete DNA sequencing and analysis of multiple fruit fly genomes

A large-scale comparative analysis of twelve fruit fly species reveals insights on gene evolution, functional elements, and a powerful approach to deciphering other genomes. The study identifies thousands of novel genes, evolutionary signatures, and systematically defines the functional parts of the fly genome.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2007

Fly and worm models to teach researchers about human biology and medicine

The modENCODE project will analyze the genomes of Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans to identify functional elements, such as regulatory sequences and non-coding genes. These findings will aid in understanding human biology and medicine by providing insights into the conservation of genetic mechanisms across species.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateMay 14, 2007

Scientists construct a physical map of the Drosophila buzzatii genome

An international team has launched the first detailed physical map of Drosophila buzzatii chromosomes, a species widely used in studies of genome evolution and ecological adaptation. The map was constructed using genomic library and physical mapping techniques, providing insights into the species' evolutionary history.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 29, 2005
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New species from old data

Researchers have discovered three new bacterial species, Wolbachia wAna, wSim, and wMoj, in the genomes of Drosophila fruit flies. The discovery was made by scanning raw genomic data from the Trace Archive, a public repository of sequencing projects.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateFeb 21, 2005
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A fly (genome) like any other fly

The project aims to sequence Drosophila genomes to capture natural variation and develop technology for studying human genomic variation. The data will be publicly released and software developed as part of the grant will be open sourced.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateApr 20, 2004

Key sensory proteins unveiled in mosquito genome found by Illinois entomologist

Researchers have identified 276 G protein-coupled receptors in the Anopheles mosquito genome, including 155 external chemosensory receptors that allow female mosquitoes to detect humans and other mammals by taste or smell. The discovery provides a new approach to studying mosquitoes and reducing the spread of malaria and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2002
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Genome annotation experts take standardized test

Twelve international groups compared their computer programs' power to predict gene elements within a Drosophila DNA region. Many programs detected genes with 95% accuracy, while others struggled with precise gene boundaries and promoter predictions. The project established standards for future improvements.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 23, 2000