Fruit flies usually avoid light. But these larvae flock to it. That's because genetic scientists from Ruhr-Universitaet-Bochum Germany spliced a gene for a protein that activates under light into cells in the flies olfactory system that responds to smells. So when the light is turned on, the protein activates, but sends the signals through the fly larva's smell system. The fly perceives the odor of banana, marzipan or glue, normal smells present in rotting fruit, and go into the light.
The researchers are able to activate single receptor neurons out of 28 olfactory neurons in the larvae for this sensory perception. That gives them control over turning on cells that normally register repulsive odors and ones that register attractive odors.
The experiment doesn't hurt the flies but could give scientists more insight into how the smell sense works. Next, they try the experiment on adult flies and mice.
This experiment reminds me of a human condition called synesthesia, which causes people to hear colors or smell music. Perhaps this condition has a genetic source.
Tags: Genes, Genetic Science, Genetic Testing
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