In order to survive in an ever-changing, complex world, animals need be able to flexibly respond to sensory stimuli in a context-dependent way. Despite the ubiquitous importance of behavioral flexibility, its neuronal underpinnings are poorly understood.

Dr. Pamela Menegazzi is searching for Bachelor or Master students to work on her projecct: "Effect of cold exposure on the circadian clock of Drosophila".

Taktgeber für die Siesta

Externe Reize können die Hierarchie neuronaler Netzwerke verändern und damit Einfluss auf das Verhalten nehmen. Gezeigt haben dies Wissenschaftler der Universitäten Würzburg und Brandeis am Beispiel der inneren Uhr der Taufliege.

Behavioural and genetic experiments have revealed that fruit flies prefer green light over other colours in the morning and evening, and always avoid blue. These colour preferences rely on different mechanisms.

The importance of circadian biology has rarely been considered in pre-clinical studies, and even more when translating to the bedside. Circadian biology is becoming a critical factor for improving drug efficacy and diminishing drug toxicity.