Gunawardena Lab is featured by UB Seen

Kelsey Swinter, a master’s student in biological sciences, examines fruit flies through a microscope.

Kelsey Swinter, a master’s student in biological sciences, examines fruit flies through a microscope.

How does a fruit fly teach us about Alzheimer’s Disease?

Shermali Gunawardena's research focuses on how genetic mutations in the fruit fly can lead to “traffic jams” in the brain's transport system. Some scientists think such blockages may precede formation of plaques in certain neurological disorders. Gunawardena's work aims to inform new avenues for treating or preventing diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The Gunawardena Lab is now featured in a slideshow by UB Seen.

Where fruit flies aren’t pests

When it comes to genetics research, tiny fruit flies can teach us a lot. Studies on these insects have led to many important medical discoveries. At UB, biologist Shermali Gunawardena uses fruit flies as a simple model organism to learn about neurodegenerative diseases. Her team is interested in how vital materials are transported from one part of a brain cell to another — and what happens when this transport system goes awry. Photos: Douglas Levere

Published April 3, 2019

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