University of Cambridge

October 3, 2024 3:52 PM

Scientists map fruit fly brain in neurobiological milestone

Scientists announced on Thursday a milestone in neurobiological research with the mapping of the entire brain of an adult fruit fly, a feat that may provide insight into brains across the animal kingdom, including people. The research detailed more than 50 million connections between more than 139,000 neurons - brain nerve cells - in the insect, a species whose scientific name is Drosophila melanogaster and is often used in neurobiological studies. The research sought to decipher how brains are...

Study identifies thousands of high-risk cancer gene variants

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying over 5,000 genetic variations that contribute to cancer growth. This landmark study, conducted by researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and the University of Cambridge, also uncovered a potential therapeutic target for treating and possibly preventing certain cancers. The research, published in Nature Genetics, focused on the BAP1 gene, known as a 'tumor defense' gene. Using an innov...