A new study shows that texture plays a crucial role in food preference for fruit fly maggots, just like it does for humans. Researchers found that maggots, even without their taste organs, still preferred softer substrates, suggesting a dedicated texture-sensing mechanism.
Helmut Hess/Getty Images/Moment RFEver bite into a delicious-looking apple, only to be rewarded with a chunk of mealy pulp? Or take a swig of milk, and get something lumpy in your mouth? Yeah, yuck.
Just before that, though, they're wretched. Komarov learned to tell from the first bite whether it'd be bliss or blah based on the texture of the fruit — even before he tasted anything. Very little is known, however, about how animals perceive food texture, so Komarov and his colleagues turned to study the phenomenon in a species that's easy to manipulate — fruit flies. Specifically, they looked at the larvae, which eat constantly.
Normal larvae prefer to eat the softer substrate, that which more resembled rotting fruit."They are very, very picky," Komarov says. But the larvae without the taste organ ate both offerings."They suddenly stopped caring."
FOOD TEXTURE SENSORY CELLS FRUIT FLIES MAGGOTS RESEARCH
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mathematical Model Predicts Optimal Body Plan of Fruit Fly Embryo, Suggesting Evolutionary FlexibilityA new mathematical model developed by a team of researchers predicts the ideal body plan for a fruit fly's early embryo. The findings suggest that evolution may have multiple optimal solutions for complex developmental processes, challenging the traditional view of a single, best-fit trajectory.
Read more »
Fly, Eagles, Fly lyrics: What are the words to Eagles’ fight song?Eagles fans at Lincoln Financial Field break into song after every home team touchdown
Read more »
Fly, Eagles Fly: The History of the Eagles' Fight SongFrom its origins as a five-minute anthem created by Philly ad men to its current status as a beloved fan chant, the story of 'Fly, Eagles Fly' is a testament to the power of tradition and community. This article delves into the evolution of the song, highlighting key moments and individuals who shaped its legacy.
Read more »
Academy of Vocal Arts gives operatic spin to ‘Fly, Eagles, Fly’Listen to opera singers take on the Lincoln Financial Field classic.
Read more »
ICE Still Reigns Supreme: Deloitte Study Finds Most US Buyers Prefer Gas-Powered CarsA new study by Deloitte reveals that despite the surge in EV and PHEV sales globally, a majority of US car buyers still prefer gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles for their next car purchase. While EV and PHEV interest varies across markets, the study suggests that brand loyalty is declining, with a significant portion of US and Chinese car owners planning to switch brands for their next vehicle.
Read more »
The Oscars Snub So Outrageous It Almost Makes Me Prefer the Golden GlobesIt won at the Globes. The academy didn’t even give it a nomination.
Read more »