Scientists reveal detailed map of fruit fly brain

admin 2024年10月9日

Intermediate

science & technology, science & technology - intermediate

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

What benefits do flies provide to other animals and plants?
What animals are commonly used in scientific studies, and why do you think they are chosen?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

structure /STRUHK-cher/

[noun] – the arrangement or organization of parts to form an entire object or system
The structure of the human body includes various systems like the circulatory and respiratory systems.

signal /SIG-nl/

[noun] – a sign or indication that conveys information or instructions
The neurons in the brain send signals to communicate with each other and coordinate body functions.

worm /wurm/

[noun] – a small animal with a long, narrow, soft body without arms, legs, or bones
The fisherman used a worm as bait to catch fish.

behavior /bih-HEYV-yer/

[noun] – the way that a person, an animal, a substance, etc. behaves in a particular situation or under particular conditions
The teacher noted the students’ behavior during the group project to assess their teamwork skills.

extensive /ik-STEN-siv/

[adjective] – covering a large area; having a wide range or scope
She has extensive knowledge of world history from her studies.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

Scientists have made an important advancement in neurobiology by mapping the entire brain of an adult fruit fly. This study identified over 50 million connections among more than 139,000 neurons, or brain cells, in the fruit fly, known scientifically as Drosophila melanogaster. This species is often used in brain research due to its simple brain structure. The main goal of this research was to understand how brains are organized and what signals help them function properly. The findings could also aid in mapping the brains of other animals, including humans, which might reveal general principles of brain function.

The researchers created a wiring diagram called a connectome for the fruit fly’s brain. Previous studies mainly focused on simpler organisms like the worm Caenorhabditis elegans and the larval stage of the fruit fly. However, studying the adult fruit fly offers more complex behaviors due to its advanced brain structure. According to Mala Murthy, a Princeton neuroscientist and co-leader of the research, this study aims to show how the arrangement of neurons affects animal behavior. The mapping revealed insights into various behaviors, including walking, taste processing, and visual perception. This extensive project was carried out by the FlyWire Consortium, highlighting the collaboration and innovation in modern neurobiological research.

Comprehension questions

I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.

What advancement did scientists make in neurobiology?
How many neurons were identified in the fruit fly’s brain?
Why do researchers often use the fruit fly in brain studies?
What is the main goal of the research mentioned in the article?
Which simpler organisms were studied before the adult fruit fly?

Discussion questions