First peek into the brain of a freely walking fruit fly

UC San Diego scientists demonstrate new method for monitoring neural activity during fundamental and complex social behaviors.

Called “Flyception” by the researchers, the novel imaging system is described in Nature Methods.

AAAS Eureka Alert from UCSD – May 17, 2016

Researchers at the Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind at the University of California San Diego have developed a technique for imaging brain activity in a freely walking fruit fly. Working with one of the most common model organisms in science, Drosophila melanogaster, the team shows for the first time what goes on in the brain of the fly during courtship — when it’s unrestrained.

Dubbed “Flyception” by the researchers, the novel imaging system is described in Nature Methods.

Brain imaging in fruit flies is widespread. But most conventional techniques require immobilizing the fly’s head under a microscope. Picture for a moment being asked to go on a first date strapped inside an fMRI scanner. It might be pretty hard to act natural (let alone charming). Fruit flies have had the same problem.

As a consequence of the restraints, brain responses during many fundamental fly behaviors remain poorly understood. The new technology, ...

The authors of the original proposal for the Brain Activity Map (BAM) Project, which inspired the White House’s BRAIN Initiative, are proposing the creation of a national network of neurotechnology centers.

These “brain observatories” would enhance and accelerate the BRAIN Initiative by leveraging the success and creativity of individual laboratories to develop novel neurotechnologies.

Co-authors of the Brain Observatories proposal.

Brain Observatories press release

A national network of neurotechnology centers for the BRAIN Initiative

EurekAlert Oct. 15, 2015 Columbia University

Neuron article

The authors of the original proposal for the Brain Activity Map (BAM) Project, which inspired the White House’s BRAIN Initiative, issued today a position statement in Neuron proposing the creation of a national network of neurotechnology centers. These “brain observatories” would enhance and accelerate the BRAIN Initiative by leveraging the success and creativity of individual laboratories to develop novel neurotechnologies.

Now in its second year, the BRAIN Initiative is a large-scale, decade-long scientific project with a budget of $300 Million for FY16, that involves more than 100 laboratories throughout the country and has also inspired similar large-scale brain research projects worldwide. On April 2, 2013, President Obama launched the BRAIN Initiative to “accelerate the development and ...