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Behavioral toxicological tracking analysis of Drosophila larvae exposed to polystyrene microplastics based on machine learning
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Researchers used machine learning-based behavioral tracking to analyze how polystyrene microplastics affect Drosophila fruit fly larvae locomotion and behavior. They found measurable changes in larval movement patterns after microplastic exposure, using kinematic analysis methods. The study demonstrates that automated behavioral analysis can serve as a sensitive tool for detecting the subtle toxic effects of microplastic exposure in model organisms.
Microplastics, as a pivotal concern within plastic pollution, have sparked widespread apprehension due to their ubiquitous presence. Recent research indicates that these minuscule plastic particles may exert discernible effects on the locomotor capabilities and behavior of insect larvae. This study focuses on the impact of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the behavior of Drosophila melanogaster larvae, utilizing fruit flies as a model organism. Kinematic analysis methods were employed to assess and extrapolate the toxic effects of PS-MPs on the larvae. Drosophila larvae were exposed to varying concentrations (Control, 0.1 g/L, 1 g/L, 10 g/L, 20 g/L) of 5 μm PS-MPs during their developmental stages. The study involved calculating and evaluating parameters such as the proportion of larvae reaching the edge, distance covered, velocity, and angular velocity within a 5-min timeframe. Across different concentrations, Drosophila larvae exhibit differential degrees of impaired motor function and disrupted locomotor orientation. The proportion of larvae reaching the edge decreased, velocity significantly declined, and angular velocity exhibited a notable increase. These findings strongly suggest that when exposed to a PS-MPs environment, Drosophila larvae exhibit slower movement, increased angular rotation per unit time, leading to a reduction in the proportion of larvae reaching the edge. The altered behavior of Drosophila larvae implies potential damage of microplastics on insect larvae development and activity, consequently impacting the ecosystem and prompting heightened scrutiny regarding microplastics.
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Sex dimorphism and hormesis response to polystyrene microplastic exposure in kinematics and metabolism of Drosophila model based on deep learning
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Researchers used fruit flies as a model organism to study how polystyrene microplastics affect insect behavior and metabolism, using deep learning to track movement patterns. They found notable differences between male and female responses, and observed a hormesis effect where low doses stimulated activity while higher doses were inhibitory. The study provides new insights into how microplastics may affect insect populations with potential implications for broader ecosystems.
Behavioral toxicity of polyhydroxyalkanoate microplastics in Drosophila melanogaster larvae revealed by deep-learning pose estimation
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Fruit fly larvae fed microplastic particles made from a biodegradable plastic (PHA) for 96 hours showed changes in movement, tracked using video software. At the highest dose tested, larvae crawled 37.8% slower, traveled 40.7% less distance, and moved in less straight paths than untreated larvae.
Deep learning-driven behavioral analysis reveals adaptive responses in Drosophila offspring after long-term parental microplastic exposure
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Researchers used deep learning to track the behavior of fruit fly larvae whose parents had been exposed to polystyrene microplastics over extended periods. They found that while short-term parental exposure had no measurable effect on offspring, long-term exposure produced larvae that crawled faster and showed enhanced locomotor abilities. The study suggests that prolonged microplastic exposure in parents may trigger adaptive responses in their offspring, an example of transgenerational effects.
Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics affect locomotion and daily activity ofDrosophila melanogaster
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Uptake and effects of polystyrene micro- and nanospheres on Drosophila melanogaster were studied, finding that both sizes of plastic particles affected locomotion and daily activity patterns. The results suggest that microplastic and nanoplastic ingestion can disrupt behavioral functions in the fruit fly model.
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Researchers investigated the effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics on fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) and found dose- and size-dependent toxicity at both larval and adult stages. Exposure caused significant behavioral impairments, elevated markers of cellular stress, and activated key stress response genes, indicating that polystyrene microplastics induce oxidative stress and cellular damage.
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