flies

We know that light effects the growth and development of plants, but what about humans and animals? New research explores this question by examining cryptochromes in flies, mice, and humans.

In plants, cryptochromes are related to functions such as growth and development. Cryptochromes are present in humans and animals as well and regulate the mechanisms of the circadian clock.

But how they work in humans and animals remains a mystery.

While males and females might sometimes act as though they come from different planets, a new study in flies suggests they are both equipped with a largely unisex brain.

By artificially triggering the neurons responsible for singing -- normally a male only activity -- the researchers made female flies play their first tune.

Researchers have discovered a gene in flies whose activity rises and falls depending upon the amount of protein and sugar in the insects' diets.

The findings might shed light on the way the insects' bodies -- and perhaps those of humans too -- handle dietary extremes.