Sleep is likely a whole-brain phenomenon, with most of the brain probably benefiting from this state of decreased arousal. Recent advances in our understanding of some potential sleep functions, such as metabolite clearance and synaptic homeostasis, make it evident why the whole brain is likely impacted by sleep: All neurons have synapses, and all neurons produce waste metabolites. Sleep experiments in the fly Drosophila melanogaster suggest that diverse sleep functions appear to be conserved across all animals. Studies of brain activity during sleep in humans typically involve multidimensional data sets, such as those acquired by electroencephalograms (EEGs) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and these whole-brain read-outs often reveal important qualities of different sleep stages, such as changes in frequency dynamics or connectivity. Recently, various techniques have been developed that allow for the recording of neural activity simultaneously across multiple regions of the fly brain. These whole-brain-recording approaches will be important for better understanding sleep physiology and function, as they provide a more comprehensive view of neural dynamics during sleep and wake in a relevant model system. Here, we present a brief summary of some of the findings derived from sleep activity recording studies in sleeping Drosophila flies and discuss the value of electrophysiological versus calcium imaging techniques. Although these involve very different preparations, they both highlight the value of multidimensional data for studying sleep in this model system, like the use of both EEG and fMRI in humans.

The establishment of neural connectivity is a major part of neural development. The central nervous system (CNS) midline is the most characterized axon guidance choice point, and work in Drosophila has played a pivotal role in understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible. Axons respond to attractive cues such as Netrin via the Frazzled receptor, and repulsive cues such as Slit via Robo receptors. Both signals are expressed at the CNS midline, affect pioneer axons, and have dramatic effects on the axon scaffold as a whole. Here, we focus on previous research analyzing classic mutants in the Slit/Robo pathway, which can readily be detected with a dissecting microscope. We also discuss analyzing these mutants in a teaching lab situation. The combination of sophisticated genetics and reliable axonal markers in Drosophila allows phenotypic analysis to be performed at the single-cell level. The elaborate architecture of neurons is very sensitive to disruption by genetic mutations, allowing the effects of novel mutations to be easily detected and assessed.

CRISPR–Cas9 has revolutionized gene editing for traditional and nontraditional model organisms alike. This tool has opened the door to new mechanistic studies of basic mosquito biology as well as the development of novel vector control strategies based on CRISPR–Cas9, including gene drives that spread genetic elements in the population. Although the promise of the specificity, flexibility, and ease of deployment CRISPR is real, its implementation still requires empirical optimization for each new species of interest, as well as to each genomic target within a given species. Here, we provide an overview of designing and testing single-guide RNAs for the use of CRISPR-based gene editing tools.

Analysis of taste sensory responses has been a powerful approach for understanding principles of taste detection and coding. The shared architecture of external taste sensing units, called sensilla, in insects opened up the study of tastant-evoked responses in any model of choice using a single-sensillum tip recording method that was developed in the mid-1900s. Early studies in blowflies were instrumental for identifying distinct taste neurons based on their responses to specific categories of chemicals. Broader system-wide analyses of whole organs have since been performed in the genetic model insect Drosophila melanogaster, revealing principles of stereotypical organization and function that appear to be evolutionarily conserved. Although limited in scope, investigations of taste sensory responses in mosquitoes showcase conservation in sensillar organization, as well as in groupings of functionally distinct taste neurons in each sensillum. The field is now poised for more thorough dissections of mosquito taste function, which should be of immense value in understanding close-range chemosensory interactions of mosquitoes with their hosts and environment. Here, we provide an introduction to the basic structure of a taste sensillum and functional analysis of the chemosensory neurons within it.

Anna (Germany) and Christina (Canada) are the youngest members of OM Montenegro. They describe how God called them into missions, and led them unexpectedly to Montenegro, a Balkan country neither had heard much about before. Here God is changing them as they prepare for further service...

When OM Montenegro began in 2007 with a team of three, holding a full Sunday meeting seemed a long way off—but not anymore.

OM Montenegro holds a programme for local friends to learn and talk about God.

OM Montenegro has discovered that if they are faithful and patient, they can eventually walk through doors that had once seemed closed.

OM’s team in Bar, Montenegro, has been praying to expand the outreach work in the country. Their prayers have finally been answered.

The OM team in Bar, Montenegro, received an enthusiastic response when they showed the JESUS film in the Roma language for the first time.

OM Montenegro partners with Serbian singer-songwriter Dejan Milinov to bring worship music to believers in their own language.

A church plant in Montenegro experiences unexpected diversity and growth resulting from the conflict in Ukraine.

An OM couple serving in Bar, Montenegro share how a short-term team building a shelter has had positive and lasting impact on a community they serve through a club for kids.

Can young people be united in faith, irrespective of their ethnic background? The answer is yes!

Even if things don't go quite to plan, the kids' craft sessions at OM Montenegro's Lighthouse centre result in wonderful presents for families.

After making friends at OM's English Cafe, Igor shares with them how he came from a similar background but was freed from despair when he met Jesus.

Pioneering Technology Allows Surgeons to Cut Precisely and Control Bleeding Without Causing Heat Damage to Tissue

Knee replacement doesn’t have to be ‘total’

Quadruped Dinosaur Stomps the Rest of the Competition

Quick design turnaround and easy documentation process help UK-based company move products to market faster

Switch to SolidWorks 3D CAD and Simulation Software Delivers Productivity Increase over AutoCAD

Sir Richard Branson, Jeff Ray, Jon Hirschtick, and World-Class Companies to Shine at World’s Largest Annual SolidWorks Gathering

Austrian manufacturer also optimizes creation of assembly documentation and related bills of material

Eliminates the Cost and Complexity of Maintaining Online Parts Catalogs; Improves Search, Navigation, and Communication for Engineers Seeking 3D Part Models

SolidWorks World 2009 Wraps Up Exhilarating Week of Learning and Networking

Control Engineering Recognizes SolidWorks® 2009 for Design Simulation

Free SolidWorks 3D CAD Software, Training, and Certification will Build Valuable New Skills Employers Need

Solutions Catch Problems Early and Drive Cost Out of Designs

Vault Structures Saves $150,000 in Prototyping Costs, Cuts Development Time by 70 Percent Using SolidWorks Software

New Licensing, Support Programs For Certification Accompany Software Upgrades

One Of Only Four Companies To Place Among Top Employers In Each Year Of The Publication’s Survey

Maker of NHL Hockey Boards Uses SolidWorks and Robotics to Speed Production by More than 60 Percent

Displaced Workers Get Free SolidWorks CAD Software,Learn It, and Obtain New Jobs

Integrated Tools Make Mechatronics-Oriented Design and Seamless Deployment to Hardware Easy

3D CAD Software’s Superior Data Translation Capabilities Support Growth of Tech Publishing and Engineering Services

Non-Profit Cooperative Assembled Virtual Team to Prove $1,000 Incubator Was Possible, Safe, and Reliable

Virginia Tech Students Advancing the Possibilities with SolidWorks 3D CAD Software

Engineers Use 3D CAD and Simulation To Customize Products With Quick Modifications, Testing, and Demonstrations

367.382 mph in a Two-Wheeled Missile

Curventa and RuRoc Adapt Original Design for Formula One Pit Crew Safety Wear