TARONE LAB

We are taking a two-pronged approach to tackling these problems. We take advantage of the numerous tools available in the Drosophila research community as well as its rich history in studying life history traits to develop first principles for understanding genetic causes of local adaptation. However, there are many other fly species that affect human society in a variety of ways. Blow flies, in particular, are important to medicine, agriculture, and forensic science research. Many species engage in myiasis (parasitism of live vertebrates). This behavior can have obvious negative effects on pets, livestock (Australia alone loses > $100 million a year to flystrike), and humans (in hospitals, nursing homes, and other "assisted living" situations). Often this behavior can lead to direct or indirect economic or emotional damages, some of which results in litigation. However, myiasis can also be beneficial when properly used for wound debridement (maggot therapy). Similarly, blow flies..