Articles tagged with Drosophila
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A study by researchers at the University of California, Davis found that growing up in space weakens a key immune system pathway in Drosophila flies. The Toll pathway was 'non-functional' in space-raised flies, but showed improvement under hypergravity conditions.
Scientists have sequenced the genome of the spotted wing drosophila, a major pest affecting blueberries, cherries, and other fruits. The publicly accessible SpottedWingFlyBase Web portal provides valuable data for researchers to develop more effective monitoring and control strategies.
The Genetics Society of America has awarded 11 undergraduate students with travel grants to present their research at the 55th Annual Drosophila Research Conference in San Diego. The students will be presenting their work to over 1,500 researchers and gaining invaluable experience.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona discover that a single cell can act as leader during multiple cell migrations in Drosophila melanogaster, dragging others with it. This discovery sheds light on angiogenesis, a critical process in cancer development.
In a surprising twist, males prefer novel partners, whereas females tend to mate with their 'brothers-in-law', suggesting smell plays an important role. This unique preference could have implications for our understanding of mating behaviors in other species.
Researchers have discovered a pair of neurons, called Fdg neurons, that control feeding behavior in fruit flies by integrating internal and external stimuli. These neurons are responsible for synthesizing cues about available food and hunger to initiate the feeding mechanism.
A study has shown how a relatively young gene can acquire an essential function and become crucial for an organism's survival. Researchers found that the novel essential gene in fruit flies, born via gene duplication, acquired its role through stepwise changes over 15 million years.
Scientists at UC San Diego discovered eight genes in fruit fly Drosophila that are also involved in wound healing in humans. These genes, which regulate biological processes in the fly's exoskeleton, may lead to new treatments for skin conditions like psoriasis and diabetic ulcers.
Researchers have identified a gene in fruit flies that, when mutated, blocks self-destruction of damaged axons, which could hold clues for treating motor neuron diseases like ALS. The preservation of this signaling mechanism from flies to humans suggests its importance and potential as a treatment strategy.
Nine undergraduate students presenting their research using Drosophila as a model organism discussed cell death, immunity and neural development. The students won the Victoria Finnerty Undergraduate Travel Awards to attend the 54th Annual Drosophila Research Conference in Washington, D.C.
Researchers found that mannitol improved the movement of fruit flies with Parkinson's-like symptoms by reducing misfolded protein aggregation. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in humans, but the findings suggest a possible novel therapeutic direction.
Researchers used a fly model to study wound healing, discovering eight new genes involved in the process. The study reveals that wound healing is fine-tuned and requires a balance of gene activation and inhibition to prevent complications such as ulcers or thickened cuticles.
The invasive spotted-wing vinegar fly (Drosophila suzukii) prefers sweet and soft fruits, posing a significant threat to US fruit crops. Researchers found that certain wild fruits may serve as reservoirs for this species, while other varieties are more likely to be infested.
A study by IRB Barcelona researchers has identified a key miRNA called bantam that regulates the relationship between hormones controlling growth and sexual maturity. Reduced levels of bantam lead to increased steroid hormone levels, causing growth to stop.
The University of Manchester has published the first-ever basic training package for using fruit flies in research, particularly in cancer and Alzheimer's disease studies. The package was developed by Dr Andreas Prokop and aims to educate scientists about the benefits of using Drosophila flies.
Researchers investigated genetic changes responsible for species divergence, developed new approaches to Drosophila genome manipulation, and found minimal effect of gene clustering on expression in bacteria. These findings shed light on mechanisms driving speciation and gene regulation.
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'.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute decoded the neural mechanisms underlying an escape reflex in fruit flies to avoid toxic microorganisms. A dedicated neural line is activated by geosmin, a substance released by bacteria and mold fungi, overriding all other food odor signals.
Researchers discovered a dedicated olfactory circuit in flies that detects harmful microbes, enabling them to avoid feeding on toxic substances. The circuit is sensitive to low concentrations of geosmin, an earthy odor produced by harmful fungi and bacteria.
The December issue of Genetics Society of America's journal features research on genetic variation in yeast, gene functional trade-offs, and serotonin signaling in C. elegans. These studies explore how genetic variations affect function and provide insights into the evolution of pleiotropy and the mechanism of signaling by serotonin.
Scientists at UC Riverside and Stanford University identified a molecular mechanism that blocks the expression of most olfactory receptor genes in flies, but allows for specific receptors to be expressed in response to carbon dioxide. This complex acts as a brake, releasing only when necessary to generate diverse sensors in the nose.
Researchers explored AMP-activated protein kinase's role in Drosophila energy homeostasis and tissue-specific gene expression in Arabidopsis. Cellular memory of stress resistance was also studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, revealing a multifaceted response mechanism.
Fruit flies exhibit a daily temperature preference rhythm that mirrors human body temperature rhythms, controlled by a circadian clock. The discovery opens up new avenues for studying human development and disease using fruit flies as models.
Researchers studied fruit fly chromosomes to understand the evolution of sex and gamete function. The study suggests that Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation (MSCI) occurs in Drosophila, which has implications for human fertility and disease genetics.
Nir Yakoby, a Rutgers-Camden assistant professor of biology, has received a $686,544 NSF CAREER Award to investigate the dynamics and diversity of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in epithelial cells. He aims to understand how changes in this signal create different morphologies in humans and model organisms like Drosophila.
The July 2012 Genetics Society of America's journal features research on increasing association mapping power and resolution in mouse genetic studies through meta-analysis for structured populations. The study also explores the properties and power of a Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource for dissecting complex traits.
Researchers identify hormone Dilp8 as key player in regulating insect growth, ensuring proper body size and proportions. The protein helps slow down tissue growth, allowing organs to develop correctly and maintain symmetry.
The Genetics Society of America announced nine award recipients for their poster presentations at the 53rd Annual Drosophila Research Conference. The winners include undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers who showcased their research in the field of genetics.
The Asian fly species Drosophila suzukii is taking over European fruit, particularly cherries and red fruits, causing significant damages to crops. The study found that the fly can lay eggs in unaffected fruit, leading to destruction of the fruit by its larvae.
Stephanie Turner Chen has received the Larry Sandler Memorial Award for her research on the detection of carbon dioxide in fruit flies and mosquitoes. Her work provides a novel approach to mosquito control, revealing odors that inhibit their ability to detect carbon dioxide.
Researchers present new information on neural diseases and kidney stones using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster model. Studies reveal links between cellular changes and behaviors in flies with human counterparts such as ataxia-telangiectasia and Rett Syndrome.
Studies on Drosophila melanogaster have provided insights into human stem cell development, particularly in the formation of specialized cells. The research also explores the role of membrane lipids in establishing polarity in sperm cells, which may contribute to cancer progression.
Researchers presented at the Drosophila conference explored metabolic disorders, aging and monarch butterfly migration using the fruit fly as a model organism. Studies found connections between fly and human disease, revealing new insights into diabetes, aging and the mechanisms behind monarch migration.
A new study found surprising diversity in a single neural connection in flies, challenging the idea that structure is key to understanding function. The research suggests that genetic drift or natural selection may have shaped these diverse connections, leading to rapid evolution.
Researchers have identified a family of proteins called piezo proteins that detect painful touch. The discovery provides evidence for the mechanotransduction pathway and potential new treatments for diseases related to sensory nerve dysfunction.
The study provides a comprehensive reference manual for analyzing population genomics and quantitative traits in fruit flies. The DGRP consists of 192 genetically identical lines with varying genetic variation, facilitating the measurement of traits and unlocking secrets of quantitative traits.
Chromosomes use centromeres to initiate synapsis, a process that ensures proper matching of chromosomes during meiosis. This discovery sheds light on a critical step in the complex process of meiosis, which is essential for genetic diversity and reproduction.
Researchers identify FMRP protein as key player in RNA editing, a process that regulates neural activity. Flies with mutated dFMR1 genes exhibit similar symptoms to humans with Fragile X, including memory and cognitive deficits.
Researchers have discovered a key mechanism controlling the segregation of genetic material from parent to daughter cells. The study found that degradation of CenH3 protein is essential for limiting its presence at centromeres and that this degradation is mediated by protein partner Ppa.
Researchers have discovered that subtle genetic changes can significantly impact an organism's size and shape. The study, led by David Stern at Princeton University, found that five specific genetic changes contribute to the evolution of distinct morphologies in fruit flies. These findings provide insight into how individual mutations ...
Research by UMass Chan Medical School shows that the human retina protein CRY2 can function as a light-sensitive magnetic sensor in Drosophila. This finding may pave the way for further investigation into human magnetoreception and its potential applications.
A study by Salk Institute scientists reveals that insulin activates a factor called SIK3, which promotes lipid storage during daytime feeding hours by blocking fat breakdown programs. This link between glucose metabolism and lipid storage has potential applications in treating metabolic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes.
Researchers found that the 'twenty-four' gene is critical for producing a key clock protein in fruit flies. Without this gene, flies experience disrupted sleep-wake rhythms and have trouble waking up. The findings suggest a similar mechanism may be at play in humans.
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.
A recent study found that nearly 30% of new genes in fruit flies were lethal when silenced, suggesting that new genes are equally important to older genes. The discovery challenges long-held beliefs about the importance of ancient genes and may have implications for human health.
Researchers have identified a miniature ecosystem consisting of a plant and a tiny fly that spends its entire life cycle on the plant. The discovery provides a model system for studying plant-insect interactions on a genetic and molecular level.
Researchers have identified a new genetic marker, DenMark, which sheds light on neuronal connectivity in Drosophila, providing valuable insights into brain development and diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. The discovery paves the way for further studies using the fruit fly as a model organism.
Researchers have identified a new gene required for memory formation in Drosophila, which may have similar functions in humans. The discovery sheds light on neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and could lead to new insights into cognitive enhancement.
Researchers discovered an alternative form of evolution that helps Drosophila flies defend against nematode parasites. This finding has significant implications for developing treatments for serious human diseases like river blindness.
Two protocols from the Neurobiology of Drosophila course are now available in Cold Spring Harbor Protocols: a method for stimulating neurons in the brain and identifying neuroblasts via immunofluorescent staining. These methods provide insight into the giant fiber system and role of stem cells in development.
Researchers discovered a novel protein complex that regulates around 4000 genes in Drosophila, with implications for human biology. The Non-Specific Lethal (NSL) complex helps MOF bind to promoters and determine gene expression in both sexes.
A study published in Current Biology reveals the genetic and neural mechanisms underlying food choice in fruit flies. Flies select between protein-rich and sugar-rich foods based on nutritional needs, gender, and mating status, with female flies reacting faster to changes in diet than males.
The Genetics Society of America recognized nine students with poster awards for their outstanding research work at the 51st Annual Drosophila Research Conference. The award recipients included postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students who showcased their innovative research in genetics and molecular biology.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona discover that microRNAs regulate Myc protein levels through the molecule Mei-P26, providing new insights into cancer development. The study found that miRNAs affect Myc expression in Drosophila, suggesting a finely tuned mechanism to maintain optimal levels of both.
Researchers have discovered a key ingredient in animal color patterns: a diffusible protein called Wingless. This morphogen prompts cells to make pigment, creating intricate designs like stripes and spots. The study's findings have implications for understanding how animals evolve their color patterns.
A team of scientists at UC San Diego identified a protein called Sestrin as a natural inhibitor of aging and age-related pathologies in fruit flies. Sestrin regulates the AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) and Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway, which controls aging and metabolism.
Researchers at Caltech have recorded brain-cell activity in actively flying fruit flies, revealing that the visual system becomes more sensitive during flight. The study suggests that this increased sensitivity is linked to a neurochemical release that sets the animal's brain in a different state.
The Genetics Society of America has announced the recipients of the 2010 DeLill Nasser Travel Awards, which support young geneticists attending national and international meetings or laboratory courses. The six winners will use their awards to attend various conferences and workshops in the US and internationally.
Scientists are studying the physical processes of ice formation in insects to understand why some survive freezing while others don't. The research found that insects that freeze at consistently higher temperatures have adaptations that allow them to control ice formation, implying cellular or biochemical level adaptations.
Researchers at Caltech have challenged the long-held theory on fruit-fly development, showing that a key transcription factor's influence is less widespread and varies over time. The study reveals a more complex system where cells respond to changing signals from the transcription factor Dorsal.