The fruit fly: a model organism to study the genetics of alcohol abuse and addiction?

Article Abstract:

The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been used in the investigation of the physiology of alcoholism. A number of studies have postulated the involvement of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the molecular mechanism of the addiction process. Drosophila studies using an inebriometer and experimental manipulation of cAMP levels reveal that this cyclic nucleotide plays a role in the establishment of alcoholism. Further, there appears to be a genetic predisposition to alcohol tolerance in the fruit fly.

Physiological aspects, Alcoholism, Drosophila, Cyclic adenylic acid, Cyclic adenosine monophosphate

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Genetics in the age of systems biology

Article Abstract:

Questions are raised regarding the nature of the relationship between forward genetics and systems biology and how holistic are large-scale molecular experiments. Hence, consideration of the timing of the transition from gene discovery to systems biology, the idea of systems biology as an alternative to a reductionist scientific landscape and the relationship between forward genetics, quantitative molecular biology and the systems concept is undertaken.

Molecular Biology, Analysis, Genetic research, Systems biology

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Reasons scientists avoid thinking about ethics

Article Abstract:

Science is one of the most powerful and pervasive forces for change in modern society, and scientists have a unique responsibility to shepherd that change with careful ethical scrutiny of their own behavior and thoughtful advocacy of scientific research. However, scientists are often wary of ethical scrutiny, and generally reluctant to engage the public in moral conversation about their work, offering several reasons for doing so.

Public affairs, Ethics, Research Personnel, Ethical aspects, Research ethics, Research scientists

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