These Fighting Fruit Flies Are Superheroes of Brain Science | Deep Look

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POW! BAM! Fruit flies battling like martial arts masters are helping scientists map brain circuits. This research could shed light on human aggression and depression.
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Neuroscientist Eric Hoopfer likes to watch animals fight. But these aren’t the kind of fights that could get him arrested - no roosters or pit bulls are involved.
Hoopfer watches fruit flies.
The tiny insects are the size of a pinhead, with big red eyes and iridescent wings. You’ve probably only seen them flying around an overripe piece of fruit.
At the California Institute of Technology, in Pasadena, Hoopfer places pairs of male fruit flies in tiny glass chambers. When they start fighting, they look like martial arts practitioners: They stand face to face and tip each other over; they lunge, roll around and even toss each other, sumo-wrestler style.
But this isn’t about entertainment. Hoopfer is trying to understand how the brain works.
When the aggressive fruit flies at Caltech fight, Hoopfer and his colleagues monitor what parts of their brains the flies are using. The researchers can see clusters of neurons lighting up. In the future, they hope this can help our understanding of conditions that tap into human emotional states, like depression or addiction.
“Flies when they fight, they fight at different intensities. And once they start fighting they continue fighting for a while; this state persists. These are all things that are similar to (human) emotional states,” said Hoopfer. “For example, there’s this scale of emotions where you can be a little bit annoyed and that can scale up to being very angry. If somebody cuts you off in traffic you might get angry and that lasts for a little while. So your emotion lasts longer than the initial stimulus.”
Circuits in our brains that make us stay mad, for example, could hold the key to developing better treatments for mental illness.
“All these neuro-psychiatric disorders, like depression, addiction, schizophrenia, the drugs that we have to treat them, we don’t really understand exactly how they are acting at the level of circuits in the brain,” said Hoopfer. “They help in some cases the symptoms that you want to treat. But they also cause a lot of side effects. So what we’d ideally like are drugs that can act on the specific neurons and circuits in the brain that are responsible for depression and for the symptoms of depression that we want to treat, and not ones that control other things.”
--- What do fruit flies eat?
In the lab, researchers feed fruit flies yeast and apple juice.
--- How do I get rid of fruit flies in my house?
Fruit flies are attracted to ripe fruit and vegetables.
---+ Read the entire article on KQED Science:
ww2.kqed.org/science/2017/03/...
---+ For more information:
The David Anderson Lab at Caltech:
davidandersonlab.caltech.edu/
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#deeplook

[@besmart]

Cool! They made Drosophila melee-nogaster

[@KQEDDeepLook]

We see what you did there. 🔍 Have you ever worked with fruit flies?

[@besmart]

I tried out a fruit fly lab in grad school. I didn't like it that my experiments are always trying to fly away.

[@kyn21243]

It's Okay To Be Smart *claps slowly* I'll give you that one

[@fowbirdfish29]

Its Okay To Be Smart what???

[@rodaimaccormick9169]

omg its you you really commented on this

[@zentouro]

so glad i know what fruit fly flirting looks like now.

[@comeatmebro1889]

+Ro Pi scary

[@anse001]

now you know what it means if a fruit fly keeps spreading just one wing while staring at you

[@spotthetech-eyedcat3711]

Annika aka anse001 ooohhh slurp slurp skeet skeet ;) (ok im sorry... ima stop now...)

[@josephisaacs78]

Yeah, I’m that much smarter now.... Which isn’t saying allot...

[@ZE308AC]

I will use fruit flies flirting techniques to flirt with the female

[@pigcatapult]

"What do fighting and flirting have in common?" Fanfiction.

[@barteezqueendelanacrystalc3461]

So true

[@ZE308AC]

I will use fruit flies flirting techniques to flirt with the female

[@amytsab]

😂 pretty much.

[@m33ch30]

2:43 that fly does a better flip than i ever could

[@mancheaseskrelpher8419]

They use their wings often when they fight. I'm pretty sure that fly used its wings during that flip.

[@johnlecavalier6199]

double backflip that fruitfly got some ngarbuckle

[@fowbirdfish29]

XD true

[@alexli3459]

Schmitty i

[@alexli3459]

Schmitty p

[@vante5529]

Never thought I would watch fruit flies version of netflix and chill

[@fedorafeline1333]

Nick Deamonson Instead of this video it also happens in other videos too

[@franr6882]

AnteVante just say sex

[@acpuff99]

AnteVante I

[@emperor_woooooo5992]

*well this was fruitful*

[@pbsvoices]

You win.

[@isaacandrewdixon]

kek

[@davidonfim2381]

Whoa, the video's over already? Man, time really flies when you're having fun.

[@firstnamelastname8865]

copycatz don't get me wrong I love puns but that was bad and if I get hate for this just know I don't *carrot* all

[@Codiliabra]

the whole show was buzzing with it.

[@Ahstronautical]

These things fight better than I can, and could probably take me in a fight.

[@lcrowI]

0:47

[@Jammerjoint]

I lol'd when the guy just straight up pipette'd fruit flies. I imagine he just has a big box of em and transfers them like a liquid.

[@TheUndyingCrystal]

James Liu I'll take 5 cups of fruit fly, thank you

[@cyberhazard7262]

"Oh my gosh, the hangover..." "What did you drinked ?" "About a bottle of fruit flies..."

[@purpleblah2]

He’s actually got a faucet that distributes fruit flies

[@pamelah4125]

Maybe Costco/Sams sells them in bulk. :D Ten lb. bag for $8!

[@Takumi_Did_Nothing_Wrong]

They're like fruit ninjas.

[@justascarecrow6988]

takooomi Senpie!

[@ScienceDiscoverer]

Senpai*

[@incognition5182]

+Mystik Basilisk You sure about that? :I

[@rogertherik628]

Mystik Basilisk Franz is just commenting the name 'takumi did nothing wrong'

[@force528]

@Takumi Did Nothing Wrong BETrAyAl. I Am BEtrAyAl!

[@mancheaseskrelpher8419]

Their fighting skills are something to marvel at. That slow-motion worthy flip at 2:43 seemed to be a way for the fly to avoid falling down, and at 2:46 you can see one of the flies using its wings to flip over, while the other one attempts to counteract. It's really interesting!

[@UnaPinata]

I guess this brings a new context to saying someone is 'seeing red'...

[@halmittens]

Ye

[@bizmarkie9112]

1:19 Oh look, scientist found a shiny version of a fruitfly.

[@UziasLara]

Did I just watch fly porn?

[@lumiangelica]

yes.

[@mancheaseskrelpher8419]

The violent kind, too

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

The hardcore category.

[@brokenacoustic]

Too far, guys, too far. lol

[@SubscribersWithNoVideos-yc2nh]

Uzias Lara yes, at 3:16

[@meateater2180]

The new James Bond movie looks great

[@factgawd1098]

Not really. They made a black chick 007

[@00_the_end_is_near_00]

😂

[@vhaalgorn]

those flies deal 1 damage per attack, they will be there for a while

[@jaschabull2365]

At least they don't only know Harden ;)

[@Kaziedell]

They almos do no damage, their base damage stat its so low that any defense blocks it

[@tiktok_content9505]

@@Kaziedell Its all fun in games until the flies power up

[@drampadude9216]

Good lord tell probably die of age before running out of health

[@SteelShroom256]

Fascinating (and hilarious) how even the most simple-minded insect can have the primal urge to fight others of their species.

[@triplethinker]

The narrator's voice makes me listen more because it was relaxing... Pls make more vids about the creatures that live in water cuz I liked the Pygmy seahorse, Mantis Shrimp, Archer Fish, the "Roly Polies", the waterproof tape, also the sea urchins thing... (good thing I remembered some :)

[@sassasdfghjkl]

I love the music used when they are fighting! So funny!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Our composer Seth does an amazing job.

[@Miklide]

Give Seth a pat on a back!

[@Son0fHobs]

What!?!? You even compose your own music? This is like National Geographic level quality! This is amazing! How? Where does the funding come from? KZbin ads wouldn't touch the cost, sponsoring would help but still not even close, does PBS cover the rest?

[@Son0fHobs]

Whoops, sorry, stupid question. Just read the description. Still, amazing quality.

[@jabbah7115]

Deep Look I've been watching this video repeatedly just for the music...

[@rababfatima6618]

I love every single of ur videos

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks, Rabab!

[@rababfatima6618]

Deep Look , can u make a video on hair lice similar to the one u made Abt flies..

[@firoz554]

Rabab Fatima me too

[@brokenacoustic]

I just found this channel after watching the cat tongue episode (what can I say, I see cat, I click), and after going back to the start and watching all the episodes, I think I found a new favorite science channel. Great work!

[@monkeyman-gq1mo]

*red lights near* "hey,wanna fight?" *red lights go back* "hey,your cute ;) "

[@jacock]

Thanks fruit flies, thanks for helping to find me anxiety meds that actually work :D

[@bewak86]

World Wrestling Flies . WWF !

[@nkc2666]

I really don't know why this was recommended to me three years later, but I saw the fruit fly zombie fungus documentary and the fact that fruit flies are simpler versions of us just makes me more worried now .

[@happyhardiansyah]

Seriously, you guys deserve more subscribers!! Your videos are amazing, and i even love the narrator's voice too

[@1ksubscriber577]

this is from future, after 4 years.

[@1ksubscriber577]

My comment will show you what u used to see 4 years ago,,lol.

[@Limonciraptor]

Hahaha gotta love how they added that shot of the guy wearing red lens glasses. It's a nice touch.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

YOU NOTICED!

[@JongChoongShyr]

We should revise our traffic light colours.

[@deaddumplings5565]

Omg

[@jedispartancoolman]

I love you guys!! I don't have cable to learn about animals and nature so thank you!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You bet! So glad you found us.

[@TheGarfield1959]

love your videos can you do one on water monitor? please guys others need to know about this superb amphibian ^^

[@queleimportapene6582]

There are other opcions other than cable, I hope you know that.

[@Jessi4898]

0:12 when me and my brother fighting over food

[@Gurtington]

3:04 uuuuuh that aint "Flirting" anymore, gurl.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

True that.

[@nitronixus9402]

WWE: Fruitfly edition

[@mego7389]

Imagine if flirting was a matter of sticking your hand out and shaking it violently...

[@kingchocolate827]

OneMoreHour like waving?

[@_Venvel]

That's called waving hello.

[@vitisvinifera1590]

Zaddy

[@joekeener5225]

"What doe fighting and flirting have in common?" They both start with the letter F.

[@midnitemufassa]

0:40 man these flies should be in the WWE! Some nice flips they got there...

[@revenevan11]

Even better one just after 2:42

[@MoskusMoskiferus1611]

0:24

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

I don't know if you've done enough to convince anyone. Flies are always going to be viewed with hostility, but it's great to see they are involved in the fight against some of humanity's problems.

[@whosewho8642]

Just in time DeepLook! Always bringin quality content.

[@MegaMindyLou]

Nailed it! Current information, new facts we can observe right now. Thank you.

[@smetlogik]

That first part reminded me of Worldstar. Always learn something on this channel and I'm a little bit smarter now. TY!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You are welcome!

[@noir6207]

Me as a scientist: lol i wonder what would happen if i- oops *makes danger flys*

[@joelface]

This show was amazing. I had to slow down the video to fully appreciate the slick moves of those flies! Awesome.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks!

[@hgd610]

This was a breath-takingly interesting video. Thanks Deep Look!! You deserve 10 million subs!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you! The team works very hard on these, each one takes 6-8 weeks to produce.

[@ceyx1201]

"THANKS FRUIT FLIES!!!" Then sprays with bug spray. 😂😇

[@redskiez]

Dropped everything to watch this.

[@SoulSaber06]

Nice! I loved the video! I know I asked for a video on this insect on a newer video but that was because i had no idea you already had one!

[@pronoob1983]

Wow! another fascinating video! Good Job, Well Done, I tend to go back and watch these again because of that sense of curiosity and wonder i get from them. Thank You!

[@Maoki]

Hey I just found your channels and already watched all the videos! You guys have amazing content.. I will share this with my friends.. keep it going!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

HI! Thank you, we really appreciate the support.

[@Maoki]

Pleasure is mine :)

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Hi there - good news, Deep Look now has a Patreon page! Come join us at www.patreon.com/deeplook.

[@anita_playzz1131]

Keep going, I love your videos so KEEP GOING!!

[@alexvasquez5053]

I really appreciate that pbs videos are subtitled. Thanks guys!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You are welcome, Alex!

[@classifiedclassified7631]

The music with the fighting though😂 Great video I learned a lot!!

[@animeninja4532]

I have a fear of flies but I love deep look too much. I really hate flies #exposuretherapy

[@hasdkoi]

There just bugs lol

[@massivelegend2492]

I just got home and this video vas uploaded 3 minutes ago. Lucky 😅

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You have great timing!

[@massivelegend2492]

Deep Look Haha 😄

[@Itsjustvideos]

I just want to say... I subscribed in 2017... but now I'm going back to watch all your content because of how amazing they are! and yes... I am spreading the word!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Gracias!

[@MimI-rx9bq]

eeeek its 9:27 pm and this just scared me with the notification sound xD great job on dis video! keep it up :3

[@danb7601]

"Unsung heroes".........*proceeds to blind them with red lights till they beat each other senseless.....aww cute

[@atikahhakita2374]

This video makes me wonder if humankind is under the experiment of another species too

[@Sickeyes6]

I swear I will binge-watch these videos for hours

[@BLAZENYCBLACKOPS]

Talk about a thin “light” between love and hate, lol.

[@m33ch30]

i love this channel!!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Gracias!

[@merfah7022]

Have you experimented that light on people? Like, if you shine it in a room full of people, do they all start fighting? Or... y'know...

[@revenevan11]

These flies only respond that way because a specific cluster of nerves were genetically modified to activate when the red light is shined on the fly, so normal fruit flies won't respond like that, and neither will humans... unless they've been genetically modified too lol.

[@ImHenHen]

Whenever I watch these videos time sure flies by lol

[@Elias-hm7we]

2:43 Now that's a badass flip!

[@edwardmorris3610]

Deep look, could you create a separate playlist for the music licensed in your videos? The backing tracks are great and im sure it would attract a good bit of Ad-revenue.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

That is a really interesting idea!

[@jimmywhy4300]

Omg a shiny fly!

[@99WITchY]

Never thought twice about swatting fruit flies..... Great food source for my sundew plant.

[@chocky0]

“But what does fight and flirting have in common?” Me: Netflix

[@perfectreptilesamazinggrac4105]

Next time I see a fruit fly on my left over banana I'll thank him then swat him

[@martinbat1164]

2:42 is that fly a ninja?

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+Wobbly Dog yes.

[@ghostlycatt3278]

That fly got some skill

[@jaschabull2365]

Fly: Do I look like a cicada to you?!

[@9rimace553]

I have never seen flies fight, but it’s so funny😂😂

[@faudanke4459]

i was about to sleep but my favorite show has a new episode :D

[@comedygoldxd7770]

Best anime fight 2017

[@Triniswe]

Wololoooooo... Wololoooooo...

[@eduardofreitas8336]

Triniswe this guy knows

[@xmfcx]

Aioooyoyoo Wololoooo...

[@fivesix3868]

wo

[@oceanman3676]

"You might think twice about swatting it" Me: *FLY. IS. FLY*

[@theshiv4993]

Hey. My son Giorno wants to speak with you, Jotaro!

[@chainexposed4990]

0:48 he landed a attitude adjustment

[@AdarshKumar-nj7rp]

I think that was a German suplex.

[@eathanblackhope2318]

Hi Deep Look Hi Fruit Fly's! Again!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

hi!

[@lydomi5002]

fruit flies are the enemy

[@sonicx2218]

porque no los dos?

[@sunytegadeikyte4614]

2:43 Me: flips for dayys!!!

[@jadechoy4391]

This is the longest deep look video to date. Love how the videos are getting longer:)

[@yona6207]

Where my early squads at? 🙋🙋

[@thenerdydolphin9885]

yeee

[@samham8596]

*shoves friend* *kicks down door* *runs to room* *slaps laptop* *types rapidly* *checks notification* I CAME AS SOON AS I HEARD

[@rat9801]

Psycho Panda XD funniest thing EVER

[@KokoroKatsura]

a n i m e n i m e

[@mimiqwack6600]

JUNGKOOK'S TRUE ENEMY

[@erebusthedragon8017]

Red light: *exists* Fruit Fly: so you have chosen.. death

[@hikurochan69]

i always love your vids. can't wait to watch another vids!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you Hikari!

[@Horsedogz]

woah woah woah, lets not forget about Mendel and his peas! Hunt-Morgan figured out that some traits were x-linked and some were autosomal, but Mendel figured out that traits were definitely inheritable from one generation to another. Just making sure people don't forget about Mendel :) ..... Again... ;P

[@capo4742]

That bass part was pretty epic. 0:40

[@sinjirabatok1180]

Great content,interesting narrative,superb videography. So i subscribed 😉

[@KQEDDeepLook]

So glad you did Christina. Welcome!

[@VictorFursov]

I enjoy this story very much! Thank you!

[@-DeathKnight]

*Bloody streams but perfectly kazoo'd intensifies*

[@wooiyeah1851]

I don't know, but this is really satisfying to watch.

[@aarontheperson6867]

love it when animals or insects do stuff similar to us (even if the flies' fighting is because of us)

[@heghoge4639]

0:34 when you give it your best shot yet you still fail

[@faizrafii58]

i liked before watching the video, this channel deserve it

[@thalys1015]

0:43 me and the other trainer when he wont let me fled away

[@AnonAnom9949]

"Dude I dunno, this seems illegal" "It's only illegal if we bet on it, JEREMY"

[@kara8485]

I didn't expect the flies to mate.😂

[@ARandomLemon]

When Fruit Flys fight They are secretly ball danceing

[@tomatoshoes6118]

YESSS THANK YOU FOE THIS VIDEO

[@riotbreaker3506]

I'm obsessed with flies right now.

[@user-mr1tm8bo5d]

0:48のハエを投げ飛ばして決めポーズするハエ面白過ぎて草w

[@theworthysoul]

The way they stand on their hind legs briefly while fighting tho 😂 strangely adorable 🪰

[@rainfox2490]

Ok these are now my favourite insects

[@henrydrosen176]

Always love these videos. Keep up the great work! Would it be possible if you could do more videos in the future about reptiles? Again, keep up the work!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

We would *love* to do more on reptiles. Any cool ones we should check out in California, where we are based?

[@valeriobertoncello1809]

You have to do at least one about _reptilians_ ...

[@henrydrosen176]

Deep Look I already know you have done a video on the side-blogged lizard, but an episode on snakes in the area would be cool!

[@henrydrosen176]

Deep Look I already know you have done a video on the side-blogged lizard, but an episode on snakes in the area would be cool!

[@user-zm4ro7yh4e]

I love that red light thing, it's a cupid arrow and a anti-love arrow...