Scientists discover behavior-related genetic networks in bee brains

A team of researchers studying bees found that natural behaviours like foraging, maturation and aggression, are influenced by networks of gene regulation in the brain. CIFAR Advisory Committee member Gene Robinson led the study. The team found that changes in gene expression in the brain– particularly genes that turn on and off in response to social cues, environment or genetic factors – contribute to certain bee behaviours. Mapping out these gene regulatory networks is an exciting achievement, it brings scientists one step closer to fully understanding the regulation of gene expression in the brain.Read more