Drosophila

Experimentally nudging the patterning within the compound eyes of insects.

Researchers find that evolution can operate on extraordinarily fast timescales.

Long lambasted as junk DNA or genomic parasites, transposable elements turn out to be contributors to adaptation.

The movements of so-called jumping genes can generate the genetic diversity needed to drive evolutionary change in populations over time.  

Worms, flies, and yeast live longer if the fidelity of their protein-making machinery is improved, a study shows.

Shoring up the tissues that separate neurons and other brain cells from the circulatory system in fruit flies and mice can prolong life in the presence of a tumor.

The temporary loss of olfaction stops the flies from eating any more of whatever it is that made them sick.

Researchers are using experiments and observational studies to look for host genetic variation that could be partly determined by the gut microbiota.

Bacteria that live in the digestive tracts of animals may influence the adaptive trajectories of their hosts.

A detailed analysis of cryptochrome 4 shows that the protein is highly sensitive to magnetic fields in vitro, but some researchers dispute the authors’ assertion that the findings could help explain avian magnetoreception.

Cell biologist Derek Applewhite gives a peek inside his laboratory at Reed College.

The biologist’s undergraduate-centered lab allows students to play a meaningful role in research.

In both Drosophila and mosquitoes, protection lasts for generations following a single maternal exposure to positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses.

As male Drosophila grow old, selfish genetic elements that are abundant on the Y chromosome become more active, which appears to reduce longevity.

Under constant darkness, Drosophila’s ability to form lasting memories is impaired.

A zinc-sensing protein found in fruit fly intestines regulates the insect’s growth and feeding behavior.