The National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) has awarded a $750,000 Project Grant to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) to investigate how an insect's hunger state affects its sense of smell and navigational decisions. The project aims to enhance understanding of how hunger-related hormones like insulin modulate the activity of olfactory neurons in fruit fly larvae, thereby shaping their navigational behaviors. Researchers at UNR will leverage advanced molecular and imaging techniques, as well as behavioral experiments, to analyze the mechanisms by which hunger state influences smell-guided decision-making in insects. The project is expected to yield insights into the neural underpinnings of adaptive behaviors, which could inform strategies for combating insect vectors of disease. Concurrently, the award includes an educational outreach component, involving summer workshops for K-12 students in rural Nevada to raise awareness about the importance of insects and the impact of basic science research.
Generated 3/4/25, 8:09 AM