By Hannah Cha Class of 2025

Effects of GABA Treatment on Locomotive Behavior Recovery in Sleep-Deprived Drosophila melanogaster

Editor’s Note: The Taft STEM Research Fellowship is a yearlong, advanced study program for students pursuing interdisciplinary STEM research beyond the classroom. Fellows work closely with faculty and expert mentors, collaborate with peers, and apply their research to real-world problems, culminating in a public presentation to faculty and field professionals. The course combines independent scholarship with structured support and offers opportunities to explore research that bridges multiple STEM disciplines.

Abstract

The prevalence of sleep disorders and chronic sleep deprivation in modern society has become a significant public health concern as the consequences of inadequate sleep extend beyond mere fatigue, impacting various aspects of human health and function. This study investigates the effects of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the recovery rate of locomotive behavior in sleep-deprived Drosophila melanogaster, utilizing the open-field assay to observe their movements. Wild-type flies were categorized into eight groups: female and male, put in an 18-6 LD cycle or 12-12 LD cycle, observed under GABA treatment, and no GABA treatment. Results revealed that the substitution of GABA in wild type flies results in an increased rate of activity, whereas flies fed a traditional diet showed a continuous decrease in locomotor activity. Although the data collected supports the hypothesis, further research is needed to confirm the relationship between GABA application and locomotive behavior.

Poster

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