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Image of the fly brain (grey) highlighting the population of neurons (pink) to which the gut-secreted peptide CCHa1 signals
A Protein-Rich Diet Helps Mice and Flies Sleep More Soundly: Study
The effect appears to be mediated by a gut-secreted peptide that signals to neurons in the brain that modulate the response to mechanical vibrations.
A Protein-Rich Diet Helps Mice and Flies Sleep More Soundly: Study
A Protein-Rich Diet Helps Mice and Flies Sleep More Soundly: Study

The effect appears to be mediated by a gut-secreted peptide that signals to neurons in the brain that modulate the response to mechanical vibrations.

The effect appears to be mediated by a gut-secreted peptide that signals to neurons in the brain that modulate the response to mechanical vibrations.

flies

SLIDESHOW
Photo of a long-tongued fly
Researchers Identify Novel Long-Tongued Fly Species
Nick Dall | Feb 1, 2022 | 4 min read
The discovery that what was long believed to be one fly species is actually two deepens researchers’ understanding of plant-pollinator relationships in a unique habitat in southern Africa.
Fly Colonies Help Calculate Time of Death of Car Trunk Cadavers
Ashley Yeager | Jul 13, 2020 | 4 min read
Using pigs as human proxies, forensic entomologists reveal how bodies in vehicles decompose differently from those dumped outside.
Image of the Day: Scorpionfly Fossils
Amy Schleunes | Mar 10, 2020 | 1 min read
A piece of ancient amber found in a small Burmese village holds preserved remains that indicate this family of insects survived longer than the Early Cretaceous, as previously believed.
a gall midge larva leaping
Image of the Day: Legless Leaps
Nicoletta Lanese | Aug 12, 2019 | 1 min read
The goldenrod gall midge, a type of fly, bears larvae that can jump through the air despite their lack of limbs.
Amidst UK Pollinator Declines, Migrant Hoverflies Are Doing Well
Katarina Zimmer | Jun 13, 2019 | 4 min read
A decade-long study tallies the numbers of pest-eating, flower-pollinating hoverflies that travel to the UK every year, and illustrates their important ecological roles in southern Britain.
Neurons Use Virus-Like Proteins to Transmit Information
Diana Kwon | Jan 15, 2018 | 2 min read
In mice and flies, the Arc protein forms capsids and carries genetic information.
3-D–Printed Ethoscopes Lower Barriers to Large-Scale Fly Behavior Studies
Ruth Williams | Jan 1, 2018 | 3 min read
The DIY devices collect data and enable light stimulation, chamber agitation, and gas infusion.
Infographic: A 3-D–Printed Ethoscope
Ruth Williams | Dec 31, 2017 | 1 min read
The instrument presents a new option for researchers working on large-scale fly behavior studies.
These Flies Suck. . . Frogs
The Scientist Staff | Oct 31, 2017 | 1 min read
Insects feast on amorous tungara frogs by eavesdropping on their amphibian love songs.
Image of the Day: Mitochondria, Live and in Color
The Scientist Staff | Sep 27, 2017 | 1 min read
Mitochondria age differently depending upon whether they’re located in the liver, heart, or kidney, scientists find in flies and mice.
Behavior Brief
Diana Kwon | Feb 27, 2017 | 4 min read
A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research
To Attract Pollinators, Flower Mimics Wounded Bee
Ben Andrew Henry | Oct 7, 2016 | 2 min read
Umbrella flowers lure in flies by mimicking the alarm signals produced by the flies’ preferred prey.
Caught on Camera
The Scientist Staff | Sep 1, 2014 | 1 min read
Selected Images of the Day from www.the-scientist.com
Insect-Inspired Sensors Improve Tiny Robot’s Flight
Rina Shaikh-Lesko | Jun 17, 2014 | 4 min read
Microroboticists have designed simple sensors based on insect light organs called ocelli to stabilize a miniature flying robot.
Stripes Shoo Flies
Rina Shaikh-Lesko | Apr 4, 2014 | 1 min read
Zebras evolved stripes to prevent pesky biting flies from landing on them, a study finds.
3-D X-Rays Catch Insects in Flight
Kerry Grens | Mar 26, 2014 | 2 min read
Using a new approach, researchers capture the in vivo mechanics of a flying fly.  
Spew, Fly, Don’t Bother Me
Kate Yandell | Oct 3, 2013 | 3 min read
The frequent regurgitation practiced by flies as they ingest and digest food yields densely detailed paintings.
Ants on Burglar Watch
Kate Yandell | May 22, 2013 | 3 min read
An ant species that lives on a carnivorous pitcher plant keeps nutrient thieves from escaping by eating them.
Fly Guts Reveal Animal Inventory
Beth Marie Mole | Jan 7, 2013 | 1 min read
Stomachs of flesh-eating flies carry the DNA of animals in remote rainforests.
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