Gene activation changed fruit fly courtship behavior

Japanese researchers induced a fruit fly species to adopt another species' courtship behavior by activating a single gene. The study enabled Drosophila melanogaster to exhibit a "nuptial gift" strategy, previously unique to Drosophila subobscura, by manipulating insulin-producing neurons. This involved altering gene expression to create new neural connections. This breakthrough suggests complex behaviors can arise from genetic rearrangements in existing cells, offering insights into species diversification and evolutionary strategies.