Neuroscience · Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Researchers mapped the synaptic connections of hormone-producing neurons in the adult fruit-fly brain. The analysis identified corazonin-producing neurons and a downstream partner that influence egg-laying, while also showing how signals from taste, smell and digestive-system neurons reach the network.
Firefly communication has inspired a model for finding possible signs of intelligent life among the regular signals produced by astronomical objects. The approach looks for unusual patterns that stand out from their surroundings, rather than trying to decode a message.
A study tracking eight male crickets across their adult lives found that calling changed with age and declined as sleep-like behavior increased. Movement also varied across life stages and times of day, rather than showing a simple overall decline.
