Brain-body communication
Abstract
The brain senses and controls almost all the body's organ systems. This project aims to elucidate the neural processes that govern such brain-body interactions, focusing on communication between the brain and reproductive system in the Drosophila female as a model. This project takes advantage of resources and tools uniquely available in this species, including a complete map of synaptic connections across the entire nervous system. This project will deepen our understanding of the brain, revealing how an animal¿TM)s internal physiology affects its thoughts and actions, and how thoughts in turn control body physiology. This knowledge could lead to practical applications in insect population control and ultimately in human health and wellbeing.
