Curiosity Weekly Fly Brains, Comb Jelly Fusion, Dog Voice
Nov 21, 2024
Discover how researchers have created a neuron-for-neuron model of a fly brain, shedding light on potential human brain insights. Learn about the fascinating fusion of comb jellies, able to merge into a single organism after injury. Plus, uncover the surprising purpose behind those cutesy voices we use when talking to our dogs, showing how our speech patterns adapt to connect better with them. It's a delightful exploration of brains, bonds, and bizarre biology!
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Fruit Fly Brain Connectome
- Scientists built a complete connectome, a wiring diagram, of an adult fruit fly brain.
- This connectome includes 139,255 neurons and 50 million connections, simulated on a computer.
Simulating the Fruit Fly Brain
- This fruit fly brain model has two major breakthroughs: the brain map itself and a computer model simulating its function.
- Researchers simulated the fly's reaction to sugar and bitter tastes, and its grooming behavior.
Comb Jelly Characteristics
- Comb jellies, or ctenophores, are marine invertebrates with gelatinous bodies and comb-like cilia for movement.
- Some can bioluminesce, and they've existed for around 500 million years with minimal adaptation.