Zeiss LSM 700 Confocal Microscope
Image provided by Matthew McNeill, Gene Robinson Lab
Research funded by the National Institutes of Health
Insect brains, like the honey bee brain shown here, are very different in shape from human brains. Despite that, bee and human brains have a lot in common, including many of the genes and neurochemicals they rely on in order to function. The bright green dye marks the presence of tyrosine hydroxylase, a gene that allows the brain to produce dopamine. Dopamine is involved in many important functions, such as the ability to experience pleasure.
