Deep in the midbrain, one type of neuron has two crucial jobs when it comes to acting while anticipating a reward—a state also known as Pavlovian conditioning. Called dopaminergic (DA) neurons, they can link a signal, such as a sound … Continue reading
Journal Club
Highlighting recently published papers selected by Academy members
Tag Archives: optogenetics
Journal Club: Illuminating the neurons that help fruit fly larvae escape danger
Disturb fruit fly larvae with sharp jabs or intense heat and they’ll respond the same way every time. “They always roll two or three times, and then stop rolling and land away from the noxious thing,” says neuroscientist Kazuo Emoto … Continue reading
Categories: Animal Behavior | Journal Club | Neuroscience
Tagged drosophila, fruit flies, neural circuit, neurons, optogenetics, reflex
Leave a comment
Journal Club: “Sandman” molecule controls when fruit flies wake up
Sleep cuts people off from the outside world, which entails considerable risks and costs that scientists reason must be counterbalanced by a vital but enigmatic benefit. Now scientists have discovered what makes a switch flip in the brains of fruit … Continue reading
Categories: Journal Club | Neuroscience
Tagged circadian, dopamine, fruit flies, homeostat, neurons, optogenetics, sleep
Leave a comment