Science · 4 September 2026
Fly brain wiring differences explain male aggression and mating songs
Photo by Erik Karits on Unsplash
Scientists have mapped all 124 million nerve cell connections in a male fruit fly's brain, allowing a comparison to female brains. The research identified differences in about 5% of cells that drive distinct behaviours like male aggression, courtship, and even 'love songs'. The findings offer insight into how genes shape brain wiring and influence behaviour, which could help our understanding of human conditions like autism.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs