‘Fruit flies’ capability to migrate rises with length of migration’

‘Fruit flies’ capability to migrate rises with length of migration’

PUNE: “As the length of migration increases, it also increases the ability of Drosophila (fruit flies) to migrate to newer places,” said project assistant Radha Barve from Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER).  Barve is working as a project assistant to Dr Suthirth Dey, IISER, on the ecological evolution of fruit flies. Barve has received a gold medal for her Masters in Science (Zoology) from Mumbai University and has been associated with IISER for the past few months. 

“While doing this project, we took pipes of 2 metres and pushed the flies from one end. On the other end, we put a jar where these flies would be dropped,” she said. “Gradually, we increased the size of the pipe and saw that the next generation of flies has a better ability for migration to longer places than the previous ones,” she added. 

“These results have shown us that the ability of flies to migrate increases as the length increases,” she said. “We are also working on the effects of this ability on various other factors that take place during its lifespan,” added Barve, whose father is a medicine wholesaler and mother is a pharmacist. 

ABOUT RADHA BARVE
- Barve, a native of Banda village of Sawantwadi, completed her primary education from her village, while up to masters, from her secondary education, she completed from Sawantwadi. 
- A recipient of Inspire Awards, she wanted to do her summer internship, when a workshop conducted by IISER scientist Arvind Natu happened. 
- She asked Natu about it and then applied for a summer internship at IISER, gave the test and was selected. During her internship programme, she worked this project. 
- Later, a vacancy for research assistant was created, and she got selected. 
- She wants to pursue a doctorate in science either from IISER or IISC, Bangalore.

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com