Gut Bacteria Influences Movement in Flies

TCCI®-affiliated faculty member, Sarkis Mazmanian have made an interesting discovery between the microbiome and locomotion in flies. Warm, protected and full of nutrients – the tiny intestines of a fruit fly are a perfect habitat for some bacteria. These bacteria, in turn, help the fly break down and digest food, keeping the insect’s metabolism running smoothly. Now Mazmanian and other Caltech researchers have shown that gut bacteria’s influence on their hosts is not confined to metabolism – they also influence the fly’s locomotion and movement.

Read more on the Caltech Website