Pseudocolored scanning electron micrograph (magnification ~34,000x) of the surface of mouse airway epithelia showing cilia protruding from epithelial cells; short protrusions in the foreground are microvilli from a nonciliated cell. In human airway epithelia, these motile cilia bear receptors that detect bitter compounds and signal the cilia to increase their rhythmic beat frequency to help clear noxious substances from the lungs. Image: Tom Moninger (epithelia generated by Phil Karp)

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Molecular and Evolutionary Neuroethology

We study the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms underlying behavioral plasticity at different time scales by using the powerful genetic model, Drosophila melanogaster and the emerging model for social behaviors, the European honey bee Apis mellifera. We currently focus our attention on the activity of G-protein coupled receptors, ion channels, and ion transporters in the peripheral and central nervous systems, as well as non-neuronal sensory organs. We ask where, when, and how the function of specific genes is affecting behavioral plasticity and the behavioral response to environmental and social stimuli.