How the brain translates changes in internal metabolic state or perceived food quality into alterations in feeding behavior remains poorly understood. Studies in Drosophila larvae have yielded information about neuropeptides and circuits that promote feeding, but a peptidergic neuron subset whose activation inhibits feeding in adult flies, without promoting metabolic changes that mimic the stat...

Embryonic exposure to the endocrine disruptor vinclozolin during gonadal sex determination promotes an epigenetic reprogramming of the male germ-line that is associated with transgenerational adult onset disease states. Further analysis of this transgenerational phenotype on the brain demonstrated reproducible changes in the brain transcriptome three generations (F3) removed from the exposure. ...

A unique feature of the space radiation environment is the presence of high-energy charged particles, including (56)Fe ions, which can present a significant hazard to space flight crews during and following a mission. (56)Fe irradiation-induced cognitive changes often involve alterations in hippocampal function. These alterations might involve changes in spine morphology and density. In additio...

Studies in perception, memory, and learning have shown alterations of behavior in response to threat. Logically, these alterations can take 1 of 2 forms, involving either an inhibition of awareness ("defense") or a heightening of awareness ("vigilance") for threatening aspects of the situation. The present study is concerned (a) with the consistency with which individuals manifest a vigilant or...

In this chapter we explore how the evolution of human behavior has led to the current condition, the quantitative impact of humans on ecological and biogeochemical processes, and potential strategies for developing a sustainable partnership between humans and the ecosystems in which they operate. Our basic thesis is that humans appear to have uniquely escaped from the Red Queen constraint of ad...