Using a laser beam, scientists have managed to alter the behavior of flies, making them mate with even a ball of wax!
Using a laser beam, scientists have managed to alter the behavior of flies, making them mate with even a ball of wax! The researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute created an experiment that involves shining an infrared laser directly at the head of a fly whose brain has been altered using heat-activated proteins, the Verge reported.
This alteration allows the laser, dubbed the "Fly Mind-Altering Device" (FlyMAD), to activate specific neurons which are involved in mating.
In the experiment, the fly suddenly started "courting" the closest object in its vicinity - in this case, a ball of wax - by circling it and vibrating its wings.
The resulting behavioral modification was so strong that it persisted for about 15 minutes after the laser had been turned off.
Source-ANI