Japan researchers transferred fruit fly courtship behavior

Japanese researchers genetically transferred fruit fly courtship behavior between species. They activated a single gene in insulin-producing neurons, enabling one species to perform a gift-giving ritual. This breakthrough marks the first time a single gene manipulation created new neural connections to transfer behavior between species. The study identified specific neurons responsible for this unique courtship display. The findings suggest that behavioral evolution can stem from rewiring existing neurons, rather than creating new ones, offering insights into species differentiation.