Got the blues? A case of the
Mondays? Turns out you’re not
alone! A new study reveals that flies
exhibit symptoms of depression. In both
humans and animals there are physical symptoms that manifest relating to
feelings of helplessness or despair. It
turns out that flies exhibit some of the same symptoms, which means that
scientists may have a new way to test depression medication.
These researchers placed the flies
in an environment in which the flies were heated up. The “master” flies cooled themselves by
moving around, however the “yoked” flies stopped moving after realizing that
they could not control the heat. The
researchers interpreted their more sloth-like behavior as a symptom of
depression. They also noted that female
flies seemed to slow down more than males did.
Do you believe this research proves
that flies are capable of being depressed?
And how about the fact that female flies were more likely to be
depressed? Do you think there is any
correlation between this finding and humans?
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-04/pass-prozac-fruit-flies-get-depressed?dom=PSC&loc=recent&lnk=5&con=pass-the-prozac-fruit-flies-get-depressed-too
I find it strange that they're lacking individuals to test anti-depression medications on. But it does sound weird that flys can be depressed. It's crazy to think about insects actually having a brain. Also, I really hope they don't start comparing humans to flys. It just seems demeaning. Even if woman are more likely to be depressed.
ReplyDeleteWhat I see Here is a failed attempt to burn the flies in order to demonstrate depression. This is not depression. If I put myself "in their shoes". personally, I will be more irritated than depressed. Depression involves special kinds of receptors, and neurotransmitters. I think flies don't have these receptors. Gaby, you should see the movie called the fly lol
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