Where fruit flies aren’t pests

When it comes to genetics research, tiny fruit flies can teach us a lot. Studies on these insects have led to many important medical discoveries. At UB, biologist Shermali Gunawardena uses fruit flies as a simple model organism to learn about neurodegenerative diseases. Her team is interested in how vital materials are transported from one part of a brain cell to another — and what happens when this transport system goes awry. Photos: Douglas Levere

Published April 3, 2019