From Fruit Flies to Future Cures: How Tiny Insects are Driving Big Discoveries in Brain Science
When
February 11, 2026 | Dr. Martha Bhattacharya
From Fruit Flies to Future Cures: How Tiny Insects are Driving Big Discoveries in Brain Science
Insects outnumber humans by billions and predated us on earth. While we diverged early in the evolutionary tree, we still share a vast majority of our genetic sequences, making studies of the insect nervous system insightful for understanding the building blocks of learning, memory, motion, aggression, and development of complex organs like the brain.
In this talk, Dr. Martha Bhattacharya will explain how scientists use fruit flies to uncover fundamental tenets of how the brain responds to injury, disease, and stress. In the process, she will describe how her work in flies has identified new genetic pathways involved in dermatitis, epilepsy, and cancer. In the future, insect studies could also provide information on how to survive in a warming world. Get your free tickets here.
Today's Science, Tomorrow's World | 2026 Lecture Series
This year’s series, Today’s Science, Tomorrow’s World: Building a Better Future, showcases the groundbreaking research at the University of Arizona that is driving innovation and shaping the future we aspire to create.
From pioneering efforts to slow the biological roots of aging, to the surprising ways tiny insects reveal big insights into brain health, to the quest for clean and limitless fusion energy, and the essential role of human understanding in an age of artificial intelligence — each lecture explores how today’s scientific discoveries are laying the foundation for a healthier, smarter, and more sustainable future.
All lectures are free and open to the public.
Tickets are required for entrance at Centennial Hall. Click here to reserve your spot now for free via Ticketmaster. Tickets for each lecture will be emailed to you to scan at Centennial Hall.
Lecture Dates:
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Tuesday, February 17, 2026*
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
*Please note: due to an on-campus event, this lecture will be hosted Tuesday evening.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Centennial Hall (1020 E. University Blvd)
Livestream: Watch the livestreams and recordings on YouTube.
Scroll down to learn more about our four featured speakers and their lectures. We look forward to seeing you at Centennial Hall in February!