How fruit fly neurons process visual information for movement.

Dendritic integration of spatial and object features in a Drosophila sensorimotor circuit.

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · DREXEL UNIVERSITY · NIH-11070836

This study looks at how tiny brain cells in fruit flies work together to help them see and react to things that might bump into them, which could teach us more about how brains process information.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDREXEL UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11070836 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how individual neurons in the fruit fly's brain integrate visual information to drive motor responses, particularly in detecting objects that may collide with them. By using a combination of computational modeling and experimental techniques, the study aims to understand the interactions between synaptic inputs and the intrinsic properties of neurons. The focus is on specific circuits that help the fruit fly respond to looming threats, providing insights into the fundamental processes of neural computation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals interested in the underlying mechanisms of cognitive function and neural processing.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cognitive function or neural processing may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of neural processing, potentially leading to advancements in treating cognitive and behavioral disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While this research explores novel interactions in neural computation, similar studies have shown success in understanding basic neural mechanisms in other model organisms.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.