How day and night affect the sense of smell and behavior in fruit flies
Official title: Olfactory neuromodulation: genes, cells, and behavior
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10995719 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the daily changes between day and night affect the smell-sensing cells in fruit flies and whether these changes make them more social at night, which could help us understand how animals adapt their senses to their surroundings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $504,644 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC021551-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995719 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals interested in the genetic and behavioral aspects of sensory processing, particularly those with conditions affecting olfactory function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in genetic research or those not affected by sensory processing disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the daily cycles of day and night influence the physiology of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in fruit flies, specifically looking at how these changes affect their behavior. By utilizing the genetic tools available for Drosophila, the study aims to determine if the heightened sensitivity to pheromones during the night leads to increased social behaviors. The research will explore the mechanisms behind these changes, focusing on the role of specific neuromodulators and ion channels in the ORNs. This could provide insights into how sensory systems adapt to environmental cues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sensory processing and behavior regulation, potentially leading to new approaches in treating sensory-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding sensory modulation through genetic studies in model organisms, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
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University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Chih-Ying — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Su, Chih-Ying
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.