Tiny flies, but big discoveries! How the fruitfly changed humanity's course

Fruit flies, scientifically known as Drosophila melanogaster, may appear as common pests, but they have been indispensable to biological research for over a century. These small insects have significantly advanced our understanding of genetics, development, and disease. This discussion explores why Drosophila is a key model organism, highlights its contributions to science, and examines the creative gene names that reflect the ingenuity of researchers. First, let’s clarify: what is a model organism, and why was a fruit fly chosen for study instead of a larger animal? Give a listen to find out.